08/16/2026
FORT WORTH - Surrounded by the grace of God and the prayers of her family, Esperanza “Hope” Esparza Rodriguez was called to her Heavenly reward on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church, 214 NW 20th Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76164. Rosary: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at All Saints Parish Hall.
A devout Catholic and a woman of profound faith, Hope joyfully reunited with her true love, Domingo “Mingo,” and her beloved eldest son, Tony, in the presence of the Lord. Though a piece of her heart longed for Heaven after Mingo’s passing, her selfless, servant spirit kept her firmly anchored on Earth. She stayed behind to lovingly guide, protect, and care for her children and grandchildren until she knew they would be okay, finally ready to lay down her Earthly cross.
Born on May 9, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Loreto and Francisco Esparza, Hope was the sixth of ten children. She recently celebrated her 95th birthday in May, marking a beautiful milestone in a life well-lived in the grace of God. Raised on the North Side of Fort Worth, Hope’s life was deeply rooted in the holy trinity of family, community, and the Catholic Church.
Hope and Mingo entered into the holy sacrament of matrimony in 1950 at San Jose Catholic Church. Together, they built a domestic church within their own home and were spiritual pillars of All Saints Catholic Church. Her steadfast devotion to Catholic education and her parish community ensured that all the Rodriguez children and most of her grandchildren were formed in faith at the parish school.
Known affectionately as "Mama" to many, Hope was the living embodiment of Christ’s call to love and serve one another. Her servant heart was her greatest ministry. Her door was always open, serving as a sanctuary for anyone seeking comfort, a warm meal, or a listening ear. She never turned away a soul in need, and no one ever left Mama’s presence without receiving one of her heartfelt blessings.
Mama will be remembered for her fashion sense, manicured nails, Estee Lauder perfume and red lipstick. Her witty sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing had a way of catching you off guard, leaving you laughing uncontrollably and cherishing every moment shared.
Hope was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Domingo H. Rodriguez Jr.; her eldest son, Anthony Rodriguez; her parents, Francisco & Loreto; her brother, Nick; and her sisters, Mary, Ramona, Augustina, Engracia, Belen and Lucia.
She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, survived by her two sisters, Teresita and Carmen. Her spirit of service lives on through her daughter-in-law, Betty; her sons, Gerard (Cindy) and Gilbert; and her daughters, Patsy (Jim), Cynthia and Camille; many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Hope and Mingo’s remarkable legacy of love and Christian discipleship will be carried forward by their 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. They will continue to honor her memory by walking in faith and sharing her incredible servant heart with the world.
For those intending to attend the services, the family asks that you wear Mama’s favorite color of hot pink, fuchsia, or any variation of pink in her honor. If you wish to make a donation in place of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the All Saints Renovation Fund or the Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas Chapter in her name.
