Obituary of Irene Frances Royse-Rodrigues
Irene Royse-Rodrigues December 1949-March 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we have to let you know that we lost our warrior Irene Royse-Rodrigues to her battle against cancer. For those that know her well know she fought to the very end and wasn't going to let the cancer define her. Dr Dharma said we “had a gift of Irene for 7 wonderful years” from when she was initially diagnosed with this horrible disease. She was Dr. Koontz’s miracle patient who defied the odds and beat them for 7 years. She was Larry’s soulmate who made him whole. And to our family she was our rock and hero.
Irene is survived by her loving husband Larry Rodrigues of over 30 years, her nephew Maxx Royse Mauck {Jass} who considered her as his second mom, her beloved family, brothers John Royse, James Royse {Marguerite}, sisters Julia Royse-Gida {Guy}, Mary Miller {Mike}, adored nieces and nephews, Danielle Haught, {Greg, Claudia, Nick, Jaimee and Jordyn} Jennifer, and John Mendenhall {JR}, all of whom she was so proud. Also by Larry's family, mother Juanita Rodrigues, Ralph Rodrigues {Gigi} and Shirley Norman {Pat, Sean and Kathryn}, along with many wonderful other family members and friends, too many to mention. Thank you to Dr Ganeles and Dr Koontz and the support team and staff} from the Cancer Center for all the years of compassionate care and support. To Mallory and Denise, who were always just a phone call away. To Chomp and their fabulous Cancer Care wing and the ICU where she was treated with such care and respect. And to Dharma and Jessica from the Palliative care unit who knew her for a short time but connected so strongly to her and the family. Thank you for your compassion and honesty.
Irene was born in Germany to Frank and Chris Royse. Upon her dad being stationed in Fort Ord Irene was raised on the peninsula attending all local schools graduating from Monterey High. She worked for many years at local grocery stores retiring from Luckys after 30+ years. Not being one to be still, she worked at numerous jobs including Macys, Nifty Fifty’s, Golden Tee with Melinda and most recently Grandma's Kitchen with Gina. She loved her long walks with Larry, Laci and the Dude, being an avid animal lover, donating to the SPCA. She loved cooking and hosting family and friends. She enjoyed car show weekends with close friends and her yearly trips with Larry to Reno, Hot August Nights. She also liked to go to Indian Casinos where she enjoyed playing slots and Texas Hold ‘em. She met so many wonderful friends along her journey and treasured them all.
Be at peace Rene, we love you so much. Until we meet again…
A service to honor her life will be held on Wednesday March 31st at Mission Mortuary Memorial Park in Seaside at 2 P.M. with a Celebration of her life to follow on 4-5PM Grandma's Kitchen in Monterey. Covid restrictions will be in place with limited attendance, masks and social distancing. Please in lieu of flowers, donate to the American Cancer Society http://donate.cancer.org.index
