Nicolasa "Niko" (Rodriguez) Bernabe-Lopez

Nicolasa "Niko" (Rodriguez) Bernabe-Lopez, age 56, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday, July 26, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, August 1, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Nicolasa was born on September 10, 1965 in Veracruz, Mexico. The daughter of Noe and Soila (Lopez) Bernabe. She grew up and received her education in Veracruz. On April 9, 1991, Nicolasa married Victorino Rodriguez. They made their home in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. In 1997, Nicolasa and Victorino relocated to Willmar, MN and raised their family there. She was a stay-at-home mother and helped care for many children in the community. At the time of her death, she was employed at a agricultural farm.

Nicolasa had a passion for taking care of people around her. She cared for family, friends and even strangers. She was always ready to help anyone that needed a lending hand. One of her greatest joys was caring for children. She especially loved taking care of her grandson, Oliver. Nicolasa enjoyed embroidery. She made many beautiful items for her family. In the last few years, she lived a healthy lifestyle and encouraged her children to do the same. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, and hosting events for family and friends.

In her early years, Nicolasa wanted to be a lawyer to help families in need. Unfortunately, she was never able to fulfill that. Life has a way of getting in the way like that; however, Nicolasa still found ways to take care of others and would always lend a helping hand or listening ear when she could. She always had a smile on her face. Regardless of what she was going through, she always found a way to show compassion, love and understanding to others. She expressed and instilled those traits in her children. Nicolasa was an active member of the Living Hope Hispanic church in Willmar, MN. She loved Jesus Christ and expressed that love as much as possible.

She is survived by her loving husband, Victorino of Willmar; her two sons, Otoniel “OT” Jonatan (and Maria Munoz) Rodriguez, and Misael (and Destinee) Rodriguez both of Willmar; one grandson, Oliver Mateo Rodriguez; one niece, Abigail Zarate-Bernabe of Raymond; one great niece, Renatta Keely Rodriguez and two sisters, Gabriella Bernabe and Victorina Bernabe, both of Mexico, besides many more family and friends.

She was preceded in death by both her parents.

Nicolasa will be missed every day.