Abuela Hilaria
Hilaria Rodriguez is originally from Mazatlan. She is an only child, raised by both parents. At a young age, her parents recognized that her voice was special and encouraged her to be a singer. She spent her youth focusing on developing her talent. Her hard work and dedication landed her a job as the lead vocals for a popular norteño band, La Estrella de Sinaloa.
Touring with the band all over Mexico kept her from settling down. She never married but she did have two daughters. One lives in Mazatlan and the other lives in the United states. Her job eventually brought her up north to live in Tijuana. She continued singing lead vocals for the band, and also started managing them. She talks about how high the demand was for them to perform at night clubs and private events.
Hilaria is 86 now. She is full of spunk and strong opinions, and she still sings. She occasionally will sing for the other abuelos if they ask nicely enough. One of the abuelos remembers Abuela Hilaria in her glory days. He recalls going to one of her concerts in Tijuana. He said she was dressed in a traditional bolero outfit and looked very beautiful. To which she replied, “I am still very beautiful!”
Adopt an Abuelo
Casa del Abuelo cares for more than 20 abuelos at a time. They operate entirely on donations to cover expenses for water, propane, gas, food, transportation, and medicine. For $50 a month you can help provide these essential items for an abuelo.
