Obituary of Mary Lou Rodriguez

"Dream big," words she spoke. Laughter she brought. Colors she created. Mary Lou (Lou) Rodriguez, 85, passed away January 16, 2017, in the presence of her loving husband and four of her children. Lou is the beloved daughter of the late John and Leona (Gee) Talbot. Lou was born in Scotia, NY on August 4, 1931, and was showered with love by her parents and brother John. She was a devout Catholic and regularly attended church. A graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School (class of ‘49), she proudly attended Michigan State University, studying art. And Lou lived art in all forms, theater, movies and paintings. She pursued an acting career in New York after college. Lou trained as a classical pianist, performing live on local radio stations. What she loved most was painting, on canvases, on holiday cards, on decorative boxes, on walls. She continued to paint with passion and beauty her whole life. Lou exhibited her paintings in galleries in New York and Vermont, with many now hanging in the homes of people around the country. Lou received numerous awards for her works. She worked effortlessly in her studio at home, creating gorgeous artwork now adorning the walls of each of her children. She married her husband, Atty. Phil A. Rodriguez on September 1,1956, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They shared a life of love and laughter, always planning their next adventure. The couple raised five children in Burnt Hills. She adored each of her children unconditionally. Lou marveled in watching her grandchildren and attending their recitals, games and competitions. Over the years, Lou loved celebrating all of the holidays, especially Christmas making it magical for her family. Her friends and family always looked forward to receiving her original holiday cards each year. Lou encouraged her husband to pursue a career in law and was extremely proud that her three sons followed in his footsteps. She was proud of her two daughters, one sharing her passion for performance and theater and the other for her independent business and volunteer endeavors. Lou loved getting out to socialize. To the Burnt Hills Café. To the Saratoga Racetrack. To Myrtle Beach in the summers. Lou truly appreciated the time she spent with her daughters when she needed it most. Survivors include her husband, Phil A. Rodriguez, children: Stephen Talbot (Linda) Rodriguez, Julie Layne Rodriguez (Michael White), Jonathan Talbot (Kathryn) Rodriguez, Gregory John (Lisa) Rodriguez and Rebecca Anne Rodriguez; her brother, John (Irene) Talbot and cherished grandchildren: Elise Rodriguez, Rachael Burbank, Eva, Brendan, Haley and Tyler Rodriguez, and Collin and Abbey White, as well as several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 21st at 1 pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd., Glenville. Calling hours will be Friday, January 20th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Scotia-Glenville. A reception will be held immediately following the mass at the church hall. Memorial contributions may be made in Lou Rodriguez's name to Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Rd., Ballston Spa 12020. Burial will be private at Saratoga National Cemetery.