Elena D. Rodriguez

Elena D. Rodriguez passed into Holy Mystery on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which had been her home since 1964.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Stanley Drasutis and Anastasia Drasutis, husband Ralph Rodriguez, brother Harry Drasutis, son Joseph Rodriguez, and grandson Elijah Rodriguez.

Elena is survived by her son Stan Drasutis, daughter-in-law Debbie, grandchildren: Cameron Rodriguez, Noah Rodriguez, Sydney Rodriguez, Vanessa Payne (husband Marcus), great-grandchildren: Alessandra, Kennedy, many relatives in the United States and Lithuania, dear friends and neighbors, and many sisters and co-journers in the Rochester Franciscan community.

Born June 17, 1937, in Panevezys, Lithuania, she departed on the last ship out of Le Havre, France with her father Stanley Drasutis on the MV Britannic, and immigrated to the United States on August 13, 1939 through Ellis Island. Her mother, Anastasia Drasutis, a US citizen awaited them in Chicago where Elena lived through her early life.

Art was one of her passions and she met her husband Ralph Rodriguez at the Art Institute of Chicago. A few years after marriage in 1957, they headed to Albuquerque where Elena lived for 62 years and where they raised their two sons: Joseph and Stan. San Felipe de Neri Parish was an important part of her life for over 55 years.

Elena began a career in education as a kindergarten teacher aid in 1974 at Griegos Elementary School which led her to earn a BS degree in Education from UNM in 1982. She continued working at APS as a kindergarten teacher at Sombra del Monte Elementary School until she retired in 1997.

She became a lay co-member of the Franciscan Sisters of Rochester, Minnesota about 30 years ago drawn by a deep spiritual journey, and love of nature and justice, especially for women which she expressed in advocacy for Native American women and in her volunteer work at Barrett House for 15 years. She also loved New Mexico, gardening, painting, skiing, snow shoeing and her grandkids.

Elena's Life Celebration will begin with a Mass to be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM will be held at San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, 2005 N. Plaza St. NW, 87104. She will be entombed at 12:00pm at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at1900 Edith Blvd NE., 87102.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to San Felipe de Neri School, 2000 Lomas Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 click here for donations.