Maria Olinda Rodrigues

Maria Olinda Rodrigues, 87, of Elizabeth, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted family. Olinda Rodrigues was born on November 13, 1937, in the picturesque small town of Vilar de Besteiros, Tondela, in the district of Viseu, Portugal. In 1966, she immigrated to the United States, where she built a home alongside her husband, Sergio Rodrigues. Together they raised four children: Alice, Arlete, Arnaldo, and Frank. She was also a loving grandmother to Jesse, Priscilla, Giselle, Katya, Sergie, Frankie, Juliana, and a caring great-grandmother to Morrison, Presley, and Nova.

Her mother, even though she couldn’t read or write, one day received a visit from Jehovah’s Witnesses at her door. They spoke about God’s name, and she was impressed to learn that even the Creator has a personal name. She told young Olinda about it, and Olinda was deeply touched. “If everyone has a name, and even God does… then I want to know Him!” she would say. That discovery awakened in her the desire to study the Bible — and thus began her spiritual journey.

In 1972, sister Olinda was baptized in symbol of her dedication to Jehovah. What defined her most was her unshakable faith. For decades, she was a zealous proclaimer of the good news of the Kingdom, dedicating between 70 and 100 hours per month in the field ministry, with zeal and joy, whether in the cold or the heat.

It was impossible not to notice her cheerful disposition as she headed out early with her purse full of publications, always determined to comfort others with the message of the Bible.

She loved singing her favorite songs, “Tava na peneira, tava peneirando,” and especially the Kingdom melodies, which she sang wholeheartedly. She loved flowers, the smell of barley coffee with sardines, taking care of her home, and talking — oh, how she loved to talk! Whoever it was, she left a lasting impression.

Even as the years passed, her faith never weakened. She lived with joy, hope, and complete trust in Jehovah’s promises.

We will deeply miss our dear sister Olinda, but just like her, we have full confidence in Jesus’ promise at John 5:28, 29: “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out…” With faith and conviction, we look forward to the moment when we will be reunited with her in Paradise — enjoying the true, perfect life, just as Jehovah always intended for all of humankind. (Revelation 21:3, 4)

Maria will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside, NJ on Monday, July 28th, 2:30pm.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home, 1055 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201.