Daisy Jane Espalin Rodriguez

Daisy Jane Espalin Rodriguez was born July 3, 1940 to a loving home of Daniel Espalin and Carlotta Flores at home in the small village of Dona Ana, NM with many beloved siblings. She was the oldest of a family of six; two boys and four girls. During her childhood, Daisy grew up in Dona Ana and especially loved spending time with her grandfather on the farm. They would ride on horseback and buggy to get cotton. She later moved to Las Cruces. She attended school at Las Cruces High School where she first met her soul mate, husband, and life partner Bobby Rodriguez who knew each other for over 67 years. As her name was a clue to her personality, Daisy was a bright and shining feature in all the lives she touched. She was a bright light not only to her family members but also to many friends throughout the years. We all treasured her presence and loving heart. She was an avid reader, gardener and crocheter and her works of art were spread throughout the family, especially newborns.

She always kept busy with her multiple nieces and nephews attending ball games and making them delicious food before and after, especially her enchiladas. Food at her house brought all the family over where always great conversations and epic memories ensued. She loved to tell stories of when her siblings were younger and growing up as well as all the great stories about her and Bobby which we all loved to listen to. Thanksgiving was always special at her house and will be missed by all.

She had a unique way of making you feel special, no matter what mood you were in or what was going on in your life. Not only was Daisy a kind spirit but a compassionate, honest, and trustworthy person.

Daisy is predeceased by her parents where her mother passed away in 2004 as well as her father in WWII. She has joined Lita Apodaca, Ma Grande, Jaime Martinez, Gerald Barela, Alberto Barela, and Mike Sanchez in heaven. She is survived by her spouse of 62 years – Roberto “Bobby” Rodriguez. Her siblings include Connie Martinez, Dorothy (Eloy) Lucero, Albert Barela Jr., Pauline (Mike) Sanchez, and Gilbert (Olivia) Barela. She was known as the second mother to Steven (Maritza) Sanchez and Stephanie (Nick) Dabreo, grandchildren Alessandro & Gianna Sanchez and Camari Dabreo. As well as numerous nieces and nephews who loved her very very much. Her Rosary and Mass will be held on October 30, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Albert the Great Newman Parish Center at 2615 S. Solano Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88001 and subsequent Burial at Masonic Cemetery at 760 S. Compress Rd., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Lovingly serving as pall bearers will be Larry Martinez Jr., Daniel Barela, Nathan Barela, Raymond Lucero, Rick Lucero, and Gilbert Barela Jr. We would like to thank the staff at Cascadia and Mesilla Valley Hospice with numerous nurses/doctors throughout her final journey for the caring services that they showed us.