It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jolè Ilean Rodriguez, who left us far too soon on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.  She was born on May 26, 2017, to Erin Valdez and Ramon Rodriguez.

Jolè was a shining light in the lives of her family.  She held a special place in the hearts of her grandparents, Enjoli Velez and Eric Valdez and great grandfather, Eddie Valdez, who will forever treasure the memories they shared with Jolè.

She found joy in the simplest, most beautiful things—watching lights dance in different colors and spending time with her favorite shows like Dora. Though she was unable to speak, her eyes told a story all their own. When you looked into them, it felt as though she was communicating in a way words never could.

She lived a simple life in the things that brought her happiness, yet she was truly the light of ours. As a young child, she was full of personality, sassy, loud, and full of smiles and sweet sounds that filled the room. As she grew older, she gradually lost the ability to express herself in those same ways, something we believe was due to the spasms and seizures she bravely endured throughout her life.

She will be missed with every part of my being, for the rest of our lives.

While words can hardly express the sorrow we feel, we find comfort in remembering Jolé’s kindness, laughter, and the love they gave so generously. Jolè had a gift for making others smile and touched many lives with their spirit.