Rosa Rosales

God saw that she was getting tired

And a cure was not to be

So He put His arms around her

And whispered, “Come with me.”

With tearful eyes we watched,

Suffered, and saw her fade away.

Although we loved her dearly

We could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

 Hard working hands to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

Rosa Rosales, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, at the age of 102. Known lovingly to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Gigi,” Rosa lived a long and remarkable life filled with love, faith, kindness, and a deep devotion to family.

Born on September 4, 1923, Rosa grew up during a time that required strength, creativity, and perseverance. From a young age she showed an incredible work ethic and a special gift for sewing, which became her lifelong passion and career. As a seamstress, Rosa took great pride in her craft. She spent countless hours creating beautiful garments that reflected her attention to detail and her love for the people who would wear them. Each piece she made was more than just fabric and thread. It was an expression of her care, patience, and artistic spirit.

Rosa’s talents extended beyond her work. She poured her heart into sewing special dresses for her family, including her grandchildren’s prom dresses. She would sit for hours making sure every seam was perfect and every sequin was placed just right. To Rosa, creating something by hand was a way to show love, and every piece she made carried that love with it.

In her later years, Rosa gave her time and skills to helping others. She volunteered to make angel gowns and baptismal gowns for Parkland Hospital and St. Monica Catholic Church. These delicate garments brought comfort to families during moments of both joy and sorrow. Rosa approached each gown as a sacred act of love, using her hands and her faith to bring peace to those in need.

Rosa was also known for her wonderful cooking. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, always filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious aroma of homemade Mexican food. Her tortillas and tamales were legendary among her family and friends. Every meal she cooked was made with care, and her table was always open to anyone who needed a good meal or a kind word. For Rosa, cooking was another way to express love. It brought her family together and created memories that will last forever.

Rosa was a gifted storyteller who could captivate her family for hours. Whether she was sharing tales from her childhood, funny family memories, or stories filled with wisdom, her words always carried heart and humor. Her stories connected generations, reminding everyone of the importance of family, faith, and perseverance.

Those who knew Rosa will always remember her nurturing nature. She cared for everyone’s children as if they were her own and was known for her motherly kindness and generosity. Her home was a place of refuge, laughter, and comfort. She had a special way of making every person feel loved and valued.

In her 80s, Rosa welcomed her first pet, a small white Maltese named Daisy. Though she had never owned a pet before, Daisy quickly became her constant companion and closest friend. Before Daisy came into her life, Rosa had spent time in the hospital nearly every year. But during the nine years of Daisy’s life, Rosa did not visit the hospital once. Daisy brought her laughter, comfort, and unconditional love, and the two shared a bond that gave Rosa renewed energy and joy. Daisy’s presence filled her days with peace and companionship, proving that love can heal in the most unexpected ways.

Throughout her 102 years, Rosa lived with grace, compassion, and an unshakable zest for life. She approached every day with gratitude and found joy in simple things: a conversation over coffee, the sound of laughter, or the satisfaction of completing a new sewing project. Her positive spirit and generous heart left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Rosa is survived by her children, Carol Yanez and her husband John Mark Yanez, and Sammy Mendez; her grandchildren, Sam Mendez Jr., Phillip Mendez, Jesse Mendez, Monica Orozco, Stephanie Cole, Christina Chang, and Irene Ware; and by her many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her love and memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor Rosales; her parents, Ausensio Rivera and Margarita Flores; and her son, Jesse Mendez, with whom she is now joyfully reunited in eternal peace.

Rosa Rosales lived a life defined by service, family, and love. Her hands were rarely still, her heart was always open, and her presence was a blessing to everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion that will continue to shine through her family for generations to come.