Obituary of Wenzel Joyce Rodrigues

A legacy of love – for teaching, and then for worship “Our loss is Heaven’s gain” It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our mother, Wenzel Rodrigues. She passed away peacefully on May 4, 2020 following several heroic battles with cancer. She was 82. She was born on April 11, 1938 in Bombay, India to Augustine and Marie D’Lima. After graduating from Sophia College in Bombay, she became a school teacher and spent most of her working life first as teacher and later on as Vice Principal at St. Mary’s High School. Her passion for teaching was apparent with her attachment to her students and also theirs to her. Fondly known to most of her students as “Wenzel Teacher,” she retired from St Mary’s High School in 1991 after serving for over 20 years. She was a strong, brave and incredibly courageous woman. She was also an avid reader and was seldom found without a book in her hands. She loved travelling, cooking and trying out new cuisines (other than sushi). She was stubborn and refused to give up; she was a fighter. After 30 years since she won her first battle with cancer, she continued to live an unfettered life with her faith on her side. She taught us that the power of one’s faith could conquer and overcome any obstacle. She leaves behind her children, Roy Rodrigues (Mamta) and Rochelle Rodrigues (Orencio) and her grandchildren – Rebekah, Sarah, Zoey, & Andrew. Her husband, Anthony Rodrigues, passed away in 2011. She also leaves behind several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews who now reside all over the world. Mom - you will be missed. You will live forever in our memories but as one of your pastors said earlier today, “our loss is heaven’s gain.” In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send a donation in her memory to St. Mary’s High School gf.me/u/xzwxkm or www.nokidhungry.org. If you wish to send flowers, you can send them to the Highland Funeral Home, 10 Cachet Woods Court, Markham, ON L6C 3G1, Canada. A memorial service and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.