Rosita Rivera Garcia's Obituary
Rosita Rivera Garcia, a woman of unwavering strength and boundless love, peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home on March 9, 2025, at the age of 96. Her journey began on June 2, 1928, in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, where she was born to Macario and Juanita Rivera. As the oldest daughter of six siblings, Rosita learned early the power of resilience and devotion—qualities that would define her life.
Rosita’s formative years were shaped by the turbulence of World War II, a time when her family sought refuge in the jungles of the Philippines, while her father fought as a guerilla. Her mother, with her Irish heritage and striking fair features, stood out in the marketplace, making it even more dangerous for her. Because of this, Rosita was in charge of finding food for her family. She bravely walked past Japanese soldiers with her head held high. Her unshakable courage in the face of adversity marked the beginning of a lifetime of strength and determination.
In 1951, Rosita married Vicente Garcia and together they raised a beautiful family of seven children. She was not only a devoted wife and mother but a loving aunt and second mother to many nieces and nephews. Her home was always open, a sanctuary for loved ones from both the Philippines and the United States. Rosita believed in the power of family, and she welcomed cousins on vacations, gatherings, and outings, treating them with the same love and care she gave her own children.
In 1975, the Garcia family made the brave journey to the United States, initially settling in Denver, Colorado, before making San Bruno, California, their final home. There, Rosita continued her legacy of nurturing and caring, helping raise many of her grandchildren. Her energy was unmatched, her Catholic faith unwavering, and her heart always open to those in need.
Rosita’s legacy is one of love, sacrifice, and a spirit that could not be broken. She joins her beloved husband, Vicente, in Skylawn Memorial Park on April 4, 2025, alongside her parents. Rosita is survived by her seven children: Maria Victoria (Sam) Vera, Maria Rosario (Roy) Suzuki, Jose Luis (Tere) Garcia, Matt (Evelyn) Garcia, Maria Carmen Luna, Jose Antonio Garcia, and Vincent Garcia Jr. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each of whom carry forward the lessons she imparted and the love she gave so freely.
Rosita Rivera Garcia was the last of the Rivera-Sofin family to pass into God’s hands, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. The family kindly requests no flowers but asks that a kind deed be done in her memory to someone in need.
Her journey on earth may have ended, but the love she gave and the strength she embodied will echo for generations to come.
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