Maria Luisa Villa

Maria Luisa Villa, 96, born on January 22, 1923, in Gudalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, passed away November 17, 2019. Maria Luisa Villa known as "Mama Luisa" was married to Francisco Villa "Tata Pancho" for almost 50 years. She had 7 children; Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Rodriguez, Rosa Salazar, Roman Rodriguez, Jose Rodriguez, Irene Villareal, and Juan Rodriguez. Maria Luisa emigrated to the Palm Springs área in the mid 1960's in search of a better life. They settled in Cathedral City. Within 10 years "Mama Luisa" helped relocate the entire family & relatives from Mexicali, Mexico. She hosted families as they transitioned into life in the United States helping them find work and shelter. She was a pillar in the Mexican immigrant community. She leaves behind quite a legacy as the matriarch of one of the founding Latino families in the Coachella Valley. She was always surrounded by family & friends. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards with her friends, and spending time with her kids and grandchildren. She had much faith in God and worshipped at St. Louis Catholic Church in Cathedral City. Her family grew to include 25 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren and 34 great great grandchildren. She resided in Cathedral City, CA at the time of her passing and will be greatly missed! Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, California.