Marta Sonia Rodriguez Velasquez

Marta Sonia Rodriguez Velasquez, 57, born on January 19, 1957 in San Salvador, El Salvador, passed away peacefully July 20, 2014 in her cabin in the mountains. Sonia enjoyed life, laughter, family, animals, and being a jokester. Despite her health troubles, she managed to have so much spirit and life - she enjoyed spending time with her children, going to the movies, parks, museums, and traveling to visit family in Central America, New York, Florida, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Australia. She was adventurous, she took her children to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and all over the United States and El Salvador. Sonia loved roller coasters and theme parks and took her children to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Magic Mountain every year during their childhood. Sonia went para-sailing and two weeks before her passing she went on a helicopter ride. There was no stopping Sonia's spirit, she did what she wanted and on her own terms. No matter how many times she was in the hospital, she joked from the hospital bed - trying to make the best out of a very bad situation. Sonia never was "sick", in fact she hated when someone said she was sick. Sonia realized her dream of visiting her native country this year and traveled to El Salvador with her husband and daughter. She was able to spend two great weeks with family members and loved ones. Sonia raised three children, all professionals who carry her values of family togetherness, strength and curiosity of the world. Sonia died of chronic diabetes and renal failure but this never stopped her from enjoying life and her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Alcides Rodriguez, children: Lissette Dametta (Vincent), Alex Rodriguez, and Marvin Rodriguez, siblings: Gladys Funes, Irma de Mejia and Francisco Velasquez. many nieces and nephews and her beloved cat, Mimi and dog-pal (and joy-ride companion) Cooper.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Long Beach, California.