Ms. Maria Del Pilar Rode

July 20, 1947 - March 13, 2019

Maria Del Pilar Rode, 71, of Mission Hills, CA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 12, 2019. She was born to parents Vicente Zapata and Angelica Delgado, on July 20th 1947 in Piura, Peru and was one of seven siblings. Pilar was introduced to her husband Uwe, commonly known as Jerry, in the summer of 1973 by her uncle Paco Delgado who was also Jerry’s close friend. Jerry and Pilar were married on February 3rd 1974 in Lima, Peru. They made a home in Mission Hills, CA where she loved spending time with family and Jerry’s two daughters Heidi and Susie. Pilar and Jerry later had two children: Gerald and Brian. Pilar had a passion for teaching and worked as a teacher’s assistant for many years before becoming a lead teacher. She primarily taught kindergarten and elementary school. She graduated from California State University Northridge and received a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Pilar’s favorite hobbies included working with children, cooking, dancing, and making people laugh and smile. She loved to host birthdays, domino parties, get togethers, and always made everyone feel very welcome. Pilar also enjoyed camping, travelling, shopping, and spending time on their sailboat with Jerry. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her family. Pilar was especially close with her mother Angelica who lived with them in their home for over 20 years. Pilar loved visiting, talking to, and travelling and shopping with her two sisters Emma and Isabel. She also loved visiting and talking with her brothers Jose, Luis, Vicente, and Carlos, as well as her other relatives, in particular her nephews and nieces. She shared many great memories together with all of them and loved them all very much. Maria Del Pilar is survived by By her Husband Jerry Rode and her two sons Gerald and Brian Rode. The family has entrusted Utter McKinley funeral home with the arrangements. A Mass at Saint John Baptist De La Salle is scheduled for March 20, 2019 @11am at Granada Hills. Father Teneti will officiate the ceremony.