A Life of Strength, Faith & Love

It is with profound sadness and a love that words can hardly express that we announce the passing of Marianella Elizabeth Rodriguez, lovingly known to many as Nella, who departed this life on September 5, 2026, after her battle with liver cancer.

Marianella was born on July 8, 1978, in Santa Rosa, California, to Mildred Alcaraz and Martin Alcaraz.

Nella was a proud Hispanic woman and a proud Omahan and Winnebago. Her rich heritage, family roots, and connection to her communities were meaningful parts of who she was and the legacy she leaves behind.

Nella was a strong warrior from within, drawing strength from her soul and her unwavering faith, which she dedicated to God. Through every chapter of her life, her faith was a source of strength and comfort.

Her smile could light up any room she walked into. She was an incredibly smart, hardworking, organized, and dependable woman. When Nella loved, she loved deeply, and when someone needed her, she was there.

Nella was also a woman of many talents. She was seldom afraid to try something new and believed in living life to the fullest. She had a natural ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Her kindness and generosity extended to anyone who needed help, encouragement, or guidance.

Nella’s impact reached far beyond her immediate family. She was a cherished part of the North Omaha community through her work at First National Bank, where she will be deeply missed by her coworkers, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vibrant, upbeat energy brought life into the workplace, and her beautifully decorated office—filled with flowers and pictures of her babies and grandchildren—was a reflection of what mattered most to her.

Nella was a woman who loved deeply, worked hard, gave generously, and lived with faith and courage. Her presence made a difference in the lives of her family, friends, coworkers, and community.

Marianella is survived by her husband, David Rodriguez; children, Dejaunara Torres, Renazya Torres –Wells, Damitrizhana Torres-Wells, Alondra Rodriguez, and Sebastian Rodriguez; parents Mildred Alcaraz and Martin Alcaraz; grandchildren Anthony Torres, Jade Schaffart, Kota Schaffart, Raziya Jasper, Tyrece Jasper Jr., Reyna Amor, Rae’Lani Amor, Queen Aliyana Buckley; siblings Aryon Alcaraz, Ignacio Alcaraz, Jenna Alcaraz, Jessica Alcaraz; and other family and friends.

To Nella, family was everything. Her children and grandchildren were her babies, no matter how old they became. She was immensely proud of each one, and the love she poured into them will continue to live through every generation that follows.