Maria Xenia Rodrigues

Maria Xenia Rodrigues, aged 72, of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, passed away suddenly yet peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Atrium Main Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her family is experiencing profound grief and disbelief due to her passing.

A memorial Mass and celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 12:00 noon at All Saints Catholic Church, 530 Hwy. SC-274, Lake Wylie, SC. Father John P. Giuliani, C.O., Father Edward McDevitt, C.O., and Father Agustin Guzman, C.O., officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Xenia was born on May 18, 1952, in Nairobi, Kenya to Crispino and Antonieta De Souza while her father worked for the British Civil Service in Africa. After her father's death when she was 10, the family moved back to their ancestral home in Aquem Alto, Goa - a former Portuguese colony in India.

She graduated from Fatima High School in 1971 and earned her English Literature degree from the University of Bombay in 1975. She taught at Davar’s College in Bombay (present-day Mumbai) until she met her future spouse and made the decision to marry and follow him to the U.S. The wedding took place on April 8, 1978, at the Catholic Church of Our Lady – St. John’s Wood in London, England.

The Rodrigues family moved several times, starting in La Porte, Indiana where their first son Trevor was born, followed by Dayton, Ohio for their second son Christopher's birth. They lived in Portage, MI before finally settling in the Carolinas in 1989. The family is blessed to have had support from family, friends, neighbors, parishioners and communities encountered along the way.

During her children's early years, she remained at home to provide care. Once they entered middle school, she made the decision to rejoin the workforce. Despite her background in teaching, she chose to follow her passion for high fashion, primarily in high-end clothing lines and secured a position at Belk. She excelled in identifying flattering outfits for clients for over 20 years, garnering acclaim from her dedicated customers. Undeterred by her many duties, she made sure the children excelled in school and joined extracurriculars like piano, art, and sports. She also volunteered at school.

Xenia embodied beauty, grace and elegance and she treated everyone with respect and kindness. Her compassionate demeanor, resolute determination, and inclusive attitude were reflective of her deep Catholic faith. She devoted her life to prayer, engaging in recitations multiple times daily. Her preferred devotion was the Divine Mercy. She enjoyed chatting with family and friends, spending time with grandkids, and cooking for loved ones. Fond memories include her laugh, humor, fashion sense, and dedication to her family. She was immensely proud of and loved her family, especially her four grandchildren. She ensured they wore the best clothes, and Claire, her only granddaughter, eagerly showcased them with a runway walk.

Despite not being a sports enthusiast, she was an avid supporter of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish, particularly during this year's national championship competition. She had vivid memories of the home games she attended with her husband when she first joined him in Northern Indiana.

Xenia may be gone, but she will always be in our hearts and her legacy endures.

Xenia was preceded in death by her parents, Crispino and Antonieta D’Souza; brothers Alvito De Souza and Harold De Souza; parents-in-law, Ressureisao and Rosinha Rodrigues; brother-in-law Joseph Rodrigues.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Heron Rodrigues; sons Trevor (Wendy) of Pittsboro, NC and Christopher (Angela) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Gavin, Greyson, Peter, and Claire; sister Bemvinda De Souza Pinto of Aquem Alto, Goa. Other survivors also include Aunt Norma Almeida of Montreal, Canada and in-laws: Enoe D’Souza of Toronto, Sabena D’Souza of Toronto, Lumena Figueiredo (Vincent) of London, UK; (Aruna Rodrigues) Velsao, Goa; Celia D’Souza (Torcato) of Sernabatim, Goa; Aliria Menezes (John) of Kennesaw, Ga and 22 nephews and nieces and their families.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, 530 SC-274, Clover (Lake Wylie) SC 29710.

LIVE STREAM Time:

USA: 12:00 PM Eastern Std Time; India: 10:30 PM, UK: 5:00 PM, Dubai: 9:00 PM; Melbourne: 4:00 AM; Japan: 1:30 AM.

For the live stream you must go to the church website (allsaintslakewylie.com), click on the red bar that says live stream, click on LIVE and then click on the screen "Rodrigues Funeral".

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.