Celebrating The Life and Love of Rosinella "Rosie" Rosa

While our hearts are heavy with her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her days of struggle are behind her and that she is now at peace, resting in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

​

Born Rosinella Martinez on January 4, 1959, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Rosie came from humble beginnings. Her mother, a talented seamstress and hardworking woman, raised her children with determination, resourcefulness, and an appreciation for life's simple blessings. At the age of four, Rosie moved with her family to Brooklyn, New York, where she would spend much of her childhood and begin writing the many chapters of her life.

​

Rosie was a woman of quiet elegance, strength, and unexpected humor. Naturally introverted, she wasn't always the first to speak in a room, but those who knew her well discovered a witty, playful, and sometimes delightfully silly woman. She had a way of making ordinary moments memorable.

​

She appreciated beautiful things and took pride in her appearance and surroundings. A lovely outfit, a thoughtfully decorated room, and a home that felt warm and welcoming brought her joy. She had a particular affection for clocks and watches, often keeping several throughout her home. She loved gardenias, the color light pink, and the magic of Christmas, especially decorating the tree. 

​

Mom was intelligent, observant, and gifted with people. During her time working as a pharmacy assistant, she developed an impressive knowledge of medications and an ability to connect with those she served.

​

But perhaps the greatest chapter of her life was the family she raised.

As the mother of six children - Jimmy, Melissa, Christine ("Tina), Joseph, Jovanni (“Nani”), and Samantha (“Sam”) - Rosie created a home filled with structure, creativity, traditions, and plenty of stories that her children still laugh about today.

​

Family dinners were a time to gather around the table and talk about everyone's day. Birthdays were thoughtfully celebrated, rooms were lovingly decorated, and Christmas was always something special. Then there were the moments only her children could fully appreciate: the famous “Rainy Day Fund” made of chocolate coins, her clever ideas, her unmistakable sense of humor, and the lessons she taught.

​

Rosie wasn't a woman who needed grand gestures to make a lasting impression. Her love could be found in the everyday details, the traditions she created, and the countless ways she cared for those around her.

​

Like so many of us, Rosie experienced seasons of joy and hardship. Her journey was not always easy, but she met life's challenges with a resilience that became part of her story. Through it all, she remained wonderfully and unmistakably Rosie.

​

And that is how we hope she will be remembered.

​

Not simply by the dates that mark her time on earth, but by the laughter she shared, the stories she told, the beautiful things she loved, and the moments that made her who she was.

​

In keeping with her clearly expressed wishes, Mom will be cremated, and no funeral, wake, or formal celebration of life will be held. She asked that we not gather in sorrow on her behalf. Instead, she encouraged us to keep smiling, embrace the goodness of life, and share the blessings and love of God with everyone we meet.

​

To honor both her wishes and the many people who loved her, our family created Our Rosie, a special place where family and friends near and far can celebrate her life through photographs, stories, and heartfelt memories.

​

We invite you to remember her with us. Share a story that makes you smile, a photograph we may have never seen, or a moment that reminds you of the woman you knew.

​

Because while we knew her as Mom, others knew her as a sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, coworker, or neighbor. Each person carries a different piece of her story, and together those memories paint a beautiful picture of Our Rosie.

​

Her earthly journey may have ended, but the love she gave, the laughter she inspired, and the memories she created will live on through all of us.

​

Until we meet again, Mommy. We love you.