Mrs. Blanca I. Rodriguez, 69, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Blanca was born on June 16, 1951, in Yauco, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Eli Santiago and Elsa Albarran-Muniz and received her education there. She came to the United States in her late teens, and attended college in NY City. At one time, Blanca was married to Ruben Perez. At one time, until her retirement, Blanca was employed as a manager with Wendy’s, and more recently, with the Masonic Care Community in Utica. Blanca enjoyed watching her crime shows, knitting and especially shopping. She also had an impressive collection of designer handbags and she was of the Catholic faith. Mrs. Rodriguez is survived by her daughter, Andrea John of Utica; son and daughter-in-law, David and Nilda Miranda of WI and their children, Stephanie Miranda and Diana Miranda; son, Ruben Perez, Jr., of Utica; son, Sean Paul Rivera of Utica and his children, Sean Paul Rivera, Jr. and Leon Michael Rivera; Step-son, Reinaldo Espinosa, Jr.; two great grandchildren, Anthony and Emila; her parents, Eli and Elsa of Yauco, Puerto Rico; sisters and brothers; Elsie and Ralphie Rivera of Brooklyn, Evelio “Mikey” Santiago and his daughter, Maida Santiago, Eli Santiago and his children, Eli Santiago, Jr. and Eileen Santiago, Joseph A. Santiago and his children, Bryan Santiago, Jessica Santiago, Frankie Santiago, Anthony Santiago and Paige Santiago, and Henry and Dawn Marie Santiago of WI and their children, Nadean Santiago, Elsa S. Santiago, Shantey Santiago and Xavier Santiago and one great niece, Karissa Montanez and two great nephews, Noel Fermin and Daniel Ruiz, Jr. Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a service at 6:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in Blanca’s memory.