Former Chesterton resident Anita Rodriguez (nee Garza), 81, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009.

She was the daughter of Vincent and Ana Garza, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of more than 60 years, Roy.

She is also survived by seven children, Linda (Donald) Reece, Cindy (Joe) August, Roy Jr. (Cheryl) Rodriguez, David (Diane) Rodriguez, Anita (Todd) Sanders, Carlos (Patti) Rodriguez, and Lori Rodriguez; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three brothers, two sisters, and many nieces, nephews, and their spouses.

She was preceded in death by two brothers.

Anita was a member of the Chesterton Woman’s Club. She raised her family in Lansing, Ill., for over 50 years and was a member of Our Lady of Knock Church. She was retired from Mercantile National Bank and enjoyed selling Avon. Anita was also a talented artist.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 4, at Our Lady of Knock Catholic Church, 501 163rd St. in Calumet City. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City.

Visitation is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road in Lansing, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Road, Chicago, Ill., 60660, in care of her daughter, Lori Rodriguez No. 3494.