In loving memory of Rhoda Elia Manzo who passed peacefully in her sleep September 15, 2007. Rhoda was born in her family’s home in San Benito, Texas on December 24, 1939. Her parents were David Plata and Maria Reyes De Rufugio. Rhoda attended Rio Hondo High in Rio Hondo, Texas. In 1961, Rhoda and family moved to California. It was at this time that she met her lifetime love, Donald Felix Manzo, and married him shortly thereafter.
For over twenty years, Mrs. Manzo was a popular day care provider for many of Gilroy’s youth. Rhoda was a dedicated member of the Gilroy Presbyterian Church. She was a talented artist, quilter, cook, and bowler. Rhoda enjoyed camping, traveling, escaping to her second home in Tahoe, and watching her grandchildren grow. She loved life and lived for her husband, four children, eleven grandchildren, and many dear friends.
Rhoda leaves her dedicated husband of forty-five years, Donald, devoted daughter, Diane, loyal sons; Don (Marlene), John, (Cherie), Lawrence (Dorothy), and adored grandchildren; Tyler, Kimberlee, Savannah, Donny, Joshua, Mei Mei, Elia, Lili, Mallory, John, and Jordan. She also leaves her siblings; David Plata, Eliseo Plata, Loida Eunice Mayagoitia, Elizabeth Beamish, Rachel Korpa, Rafaela Moreno, and
Dina Toribio. She was the sister-in-law of Clelia, Joseph, and Margaret and leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be Thursday, September 20, 2007 11:00 A.M. at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Avenue, Gilroy. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home.
Donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, Santa Clara County Unit, 747 Camden Avenue, Suite B, Campbell, California, 95008.
