Rosemarie Ortiz was born June 2, 1943 to Nereo and Felicitas Nieto. She passed away October 14, 2015 at 10:05pm, peacefully in her home with her family beside her. My Mom attended Abraham Lincoln High School where she met and married Jose V. Ortiz. They were married on January 17, 1963. Married over 52 years, they raised 5 children together. Rosemarie is survived by her husband Jose and her children, Gilbert, Dennis, Mario, Melissa, and Makaylah; as well as 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and her Sisters Sarah, Guadalupe, and Brother Richard. Not to forget brother-in laws, sister-laws, daughters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mom spent the majority of her work life with the LAUSD where she was an Educational Aide. After retirement from LAUSD, both my Mom and Dad made the decision to foster children. They spent almost 20 years caring for children and teenagers. Many of who have come to visit or sent well wishes over the years and most recently while she was in hospice. She loved the yearly trips to Carpenteria Beach. She was able to go for the last time this past August and spent valuable time with her family. Some of my special times with mom was having her walk with us to Evergreen Park and watch us play baseball and basketball. She came to most, if not all of my high school basketball games. It was always good to see her in the stands. So many memories stand out, just a few are: a camping trip for an entire week to Sequoia National park with my aunts and uncles, The Zubiates and The Terrazas, and our early camping trips to Carpenteria Beach with the entire family, where we ate like kings. One of the oldest memories I have is going with mom to Downtown LA, and having lunch at Clifton’s Cafeteria, just her and I.
Throughout the years of mom’s treatment we met so many great people, from her doctors and nurses at Norris USC Cancer hospital, to some of our own family members who became primary caregivers throughout her hospice. Alyssa, Liana, and Monica came every Thursday and made a family dinner, as well as help care for their grandmother. When Alicia was in town on summer break, she would help with grandma’s care. Vicki would come with me every other day and immediately take over and help train the grandchildren on how to safely move her mother-in-law. Elena came every Tuesday night and stayed over to care for her grandmother on her days off. But the real caregivers on a daily basis were my nephews Devon and Andrew. They, without question, took a personal hand in every aspect of their grandmother’s care. We are all proud of these two young men. They both put their lives on hold, cared for their grandmother in every way, and never questioned, why them.
After cremation Mom will be returned to our Dad where they will spend the rest of their lives together.
Mom, the night you passed away there was thunder and lightning in the distant sky. Your new neighbors said that heaven was having a welcome party for you. Save us a spot at your table and I hope My Grandfathers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins are there showing you how to party in heaven.
Love you, Gilbert