Victoria "Iris" Rodriguez-Cardona

Maria Victoria “Iris” Rodriguez-Cardona passed away peacefully while under home hospice care on Friday, September 29, 2023, with her family lovingly by her side.

Iris was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, on March 6, 1935, to Francisco J. “Pancho” Rodriguez and Juanita Carrion. She was the eldest of fifteen children.

She was a graceful, charismatic, funny, loving, and generous spirit loved by many.  Iris’ passion for beauty and fashion led her to become a beautician for 60 years in Lorain and Puerto Rico.  Proud to own and operate numerous beauty salons throughout Lorain, Iris’ last beauty shop was Chelly’s Hair Design, named after her daughter.  Interestingly, while living in Puerto Rico, she was the hairdresser to famous MLB player Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente and his wife.  She was also a beautician for Dovin Funeral Home, O’Neill Healthcare, and Golden Acres Nursing Home, where she was also an STNA for 29 years–a testament to her love for helping and caring for people.

When she wasn’t working, Iris enjoyed taking care of her family.  She loved to cook, especially her Sunday chicken soup.  Her hobbies and interests included sewing, traveling, politics, church, real estate, animals, and shopping.  Iris loved going to dollar stores, always looking for bargains and shopping for others.  Buying gifts for others made her happy.  She really enjoyed visiting with her dear friends over coffee and sharing stories about each other's families and the news.  She loved going to church and was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Chapel.  Iris was fond of birds, and she owned many unique species of birds over the years.  Her favorite birds were canaries because of their birdsong.

She is survived by her “honey” and partner, Roberto Gonzalez of 42 years; her children: Justino Davila Jr., Gladys Johnson, Carmen “Chelly” Cruz, Lilian “Lilly” Trinidad, Evelyn “Cookie” Pinero, Elmer Luis Davila, Laurie “Darlene” Maeding, Carol Cardona, Dante Javier “Papito” Rodriguez; 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren; four sisters and four brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind her beautiful pets “Pookie” (her dog), “Ruby” (her African gray parrot), “Tweety” (her canary), and “Paloma” (her dove).

Iris is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco J. and Juanita (nee Carrion) Rodriguez; her first husband, Justino Davila; a sister, Gloria Ortega; brothers, Benny Rodriguez, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Luis Rodriguez, Harry Rodriguez, and Victor Rodriguez; grandson, Jay Cruz, and great-grandchild, Da’lee Ward.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain.  Visitation will also be held on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of mass at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain.  Rev. William Thaden, pastor, will officiate.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.