Donna M. Rodriguez

Donna Marie Rodriguez, 60, of Wellington, Colorado, passed away on November 22, 2025, as a true Husker fan — watching the team she loved, even when they let her down. Donna was born in Bismarck, North Dakota. Her fathers career with gambles had them often moving. They lived in North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming Before settling in North Platte, Nebraska. She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1983 and went on to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1987. After graduation, she moved to California, where she began her long and dedicated career with the Department of Defense. On March 2, 1996, Donna married the love of her life, Hector “Joe” Rodriguez, in Westminster, California. That same year, they moved to Colorado, where Donna began her 30-year tenure with Connell Resources, serving in many roles as an accountant and becoming a trusted colleague and friend to so many. Donna and Joe welcomed their daughter, Emily Marie, in September 1998, and their son, Christopher Joseph, in December 2001. Donna’s life revolved around her family — including Emily and husband Benjamin McMullin and their dog, Capri — and she cherished every moment spent with them. Donna is survived by her husband, Joe; her children, Emily (Benjamin) and Christopher; and her siblings, Mark and Lynda. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy Hoffman, and her sister Julie, who heartbreakingly passed away just two days after Donna, on November 24. A woman of passion, creativity, and warmth, Donna filled her life with activities she loved: scrapbooking, puzzles, reading, Bunco, cheering on the Huskers and Denver Broncos, camping, four-wheeling, and reconnecting with her high school classmates. She treasured her many friendships and had a gift for making anyone feel like family. Emily and Chris’s friends were always welcomed into her home — and her heart — without hesitation. Donna will forever be remembered for her unmistakable laugh, her enormous heart, her strength, and her unwavering willingness to give. She volunteered often during her children’s school years and taught Sunday School during her early time at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Among her many precious memories were a snowstorm road trip with her sister Lynda, karaoke in South Dakota, a family trip to South Padre, and countless scrapbooking retreats filled with joy and laughter. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, followed by Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., same day, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 300 W. Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO; a luncheon will follow. Donations in Donna’s honor may be made to K-LOVE Radio, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to a charity close to your heart. Flowers for the service may be sent to the Rodriguez family’s home. Donna’s love, humor, and light will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Donna M. Rodriguez

March 26, 1965 - November 22, 2025