June 21, 1938 – Feb. 12, 2017

Rosa was born in Mexico City, Mexico. As a child she sang and danced on the Mexican stages with her mother, Esperanza Arellano, an acclaimed singer. Although Rosa loved to perform, she also sought a life as a young career woman as Mexico first granted women the right to vote in 1953. She graduated from Escuela Libre para Oficinistas – School for Office Management in 1955. She also studied at the Mexican/North American Institute for Cultural Relations until 1956.

Her first full time employment was with Productos Quimicos Mardupol, a subsidiary of DuPont, from 1956 to 1958.

Rosa’s talent as a Flamenco dancer, however, began to flourish. She performed with famous directors and composers into mid-1959. In 1960, Rosa married and gave birth to her first and only son, Eric, in 1962. In the 1970s Rosa moved to La Crescenta. She worked for the Motion Picture Industry for 30 years in the medical claims department until retirement in 2006.

Rosa was an animal lover, especially a dog lover, over the years. She was a dedicated donor to PETA, St. Jospeh’s Indian School, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, The Humane Society of the United States and International, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ASPCA and Catholic Relief Services. Rosa participated in the Garden Club over the years as well.

Rosa was full of kindness, love and respect for all those around her. Truly the life of the party, she  entertained her loved ones with her Flamenco dancing, stylish dress, light-hearted comedy and sassy personality. She was a dedicated mother until her son’s death in 2016. She was also a loving aunt, friend, cousin and sister.

Rosa passed away peacefully in her home. She will be dearly missed but she will dance in our hearts for eternity.

She is survived by her cousin Cesar Hernandez, the Wing Family and the Fraines Family. A memorial service will be held on March 20 at 12 p.m. at San Fernando Mission Church, 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills 91345. Burial and reception info provided at the funeral.