Our Matriarch,  Carolina  Chavez  Saucedo  Rodriguez, 86, passed away peacefully at home on June 22nd, surrounded by her family.

Born on November 14, 1938, in San Diego Curucupatzeo (Madero, Michoacan de Ocampo), Mexico.  Carolina was the rambunctious daughter of the late Micaela Saucedo Chavez and Antonio Martinez Chavez.  As a child, she was bestowed the epithet "Carolina de la Luna" and spent her days exploring and playing by the river until her skin was gilded by the disappearing sunlight - much to her mother's chagrin.

At the age of five, Carolina emigrated to the United States with her parents and sister, the late Evangelina Gutierrez - all carrying dreams of a better life and more opportunities across the border.  After two years, the family returned to Mexico, where Carolina completed her primary education.  She was married shortly thereafter - her initial plan of becoming a nun squandered when she first laid eyes on her future (ex) husband.

In 1963,  she returned to the United States, eventually settling with her five surviving children in Chicago and beginning a new chapter as a single mother.  Determined and resilient, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family, working as a waitress and barmaid, where her beautiful singing voice was discovered by a Trio.

Carolina later lent her vocal prowess to a Mariachi group with whom she earned numerous accolades.  She was a proud member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians and was invited to perform at events hosted by the Mexican Patriotic Committee and at the Latin festivals of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.  She was also recognized by the University of Chicago's Office of Radio and Television for her participation in  Charlando , a local television program.

Carolina's talents, however, were not limited to the musical realm.  Carolina also worked at Western Electric, where she was recognized for her outstanding performance at the cable plant.  Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, serving as a communion minister and active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi, St. Mark, and Holy Rosary - a true pillar of her community.

Carolina found her greatest joy and purpose, however, in family.  She loved cooking Sunday breakfast after church for her extended family and spending time with her best friend - her sister - whether playing Chinese Checkers or going to the movies.  In retirement, she poured her heart into spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing her love of singing, knitting and reading.

Carolina is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Carolina, Alma Georgina, Sandra Patricia, Miriam Christian (Antonio), Lucy (wife of her late son, Rene Rodriguez); her grandchildren Abraham, Kristen (Eric), Victoria, Veronica (Chris), Audrey, Jazmin (Alex), Jessica (Wayne), Melanie, Danielle (Damien) and Kellie;  her great-grandchildren Quinn, Lainey, Temperance, Lyla, Maverick, Clementine and Rio - - as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carolina is reunited in heaven with her parents, her two brothers, her sister Evangelina, two infant daughters, her son Rene Manuel and her grandson Pedro Alfredo.

Funeral services will be held as follows:

VIEWING:  Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 3 - 8 P.M. at Muzyka Funeral Home; 2157 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago 60622

FUNERAL:  Friday, June 27, 2025 starting with Prayers at 10:45 A.M. followed by a Procession to Holy Rosary Catholic Church  ( Our Lady Of Unity Parish )  (  604 N. Western Avenue; Chicago 60612 )  for a  11:30  A.M. Funeral Mass.

GRAVESIDE INTERMENT:  Procession to Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery  ( 87th Street  and S. Hamlin Avenue; Evergreen Park, 60805 )  immediately following the Funeral Mass.

Carolina's legacy of love, faith, music and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.         Her Memory Is Eternal !