Sr. Mary of Jesus Rodriguez, ODN
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Aug. 17 at La Purisima Church, Orange, for Company of Mary Sister Mary of Jesus Rodriguez, provincial superior and president of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School in Tustin, who died Aug. 10 at age 64.

Born in Madera, California, she entered the Order of the Sisters of the Company of Mary in 1958 in Douglas, Arizona, as a postulant and became a novice in Sun Valley, Calif., in 1959. She made her Profession as a religious in 1961 and began her teaching career at St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, Tustin.

As a Sister of the Company of Mary, Sister Rodriguez lived in Orange County almost 40 years. Her service ranged from student teacher at the beginning of her religious life to school administration and service to the order as formation director and regional superior of its U.S. Province.

She also served one year in St. Anne's School in Albuquerque, five years in Los Angeles at Divine Providence School, St. Joseph Residence and San Antonio de Padua School (Gardena), and three years at St. Jeanne's in Temecula.

She taught at La Purisima School in El Modena when it opened (1965-67) and returned as principal (1989-91). At St. Jeanne de Lestonnac in Tustin, she served several terms as teacher and principal, respectively, between 1967 and 2001, when she was named provincial superior and president of St. Jeanne's.

"She is fondly remembered as a true advocate of children in the role of partnership with parents for a solid education of their sons and daughters," said a statement from her religious order.

Sister Rodriguez is survived by six brothers and their wives, two sisters and their husbands, 12 nieces and nephews, and 15 grandnieces and grandnephews. Her family has begun a scholarship fund in her memory; donations in her name may be sent to Sisters of the Company of Mary, 16791 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780. Interment will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange.

Sr. Mary Josita Wilturner, SSS
Funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 9 at the Sisters of Social Service in Encino for Sister Mary Josita (Mary Billie Love) Wilturner, 75, who died July 31 in Los Angeles, where she was a resident at St. John of God Care Center.

Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family on July 1, 1951, taking her final vows in 1957. In 1983, she transferred to the Sisters of Social Service, renewing her vows on June 7, 1987. Sister Wilturner's ministries were in catechetics, liturgy and working with small children.

She is survived by her brother, his wife and two nieces. A prayer vigil was celebrated Aug. 8. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Sisters of Social Service at 4316 Lanai Rd., Encino, 91436.