Leonor, affectionately known as Nana, Grandma, and Morena, graced this world on February 3, 1928, born to her loving parents, Leonor Rodriguez and Francisco Silva. Growing up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, she thrived in a bustling household alongside her parents and siblings. Leonor was the second of seven children, surrounded by five sisters and one outnumbered brother.
During her youth, Leonor's days were filled with the joys of family and friends. Afternoons and evenings were spent seeking shelter from the sun beneath the shade of trees in the central plaza and garden. The hot summers brought her to San Martín, where cherished memories were made with her Abuelos and Tias. She would speak fondly of riding horses, swimming in the river, and singing under the moonlight. Leonor filled her days with a variety of creative pursuits, from intricate crochet work, needlepoint, and sewing, to sketching and practicing the guitar.
In her early thirties, fate introduced Leonor to Aurelio Rosales through a family friend. Aurelio, with his charm and wit, swiftly won Leonor's heart, and on May 18, 1960, they embarked on a lifelong journey together in marriage. They returned to Los Angeles, where Leonor embraced Aurelio's children, Bernie, Ruben, and Maria, as her own. Soon, their family expanded further with the arrival of their own children, Carlos and Monica, completing their loving household of seven.
Leonor devoted most of her life to being a nurturing homemaker in America, showering her family with love and care. She was a compassionate caretaker, dedicating her time to looking after others. Once her own children had grown, she lovingly cared for her grandchildren and the children of family friends.
Leonor was also a skilled seamstress, having received training in her youth in Mexico. Her skills continued to grow as she handcrafted dresses for herself and her daughters, while also spending countless hours creating intricate crochet work to make beautiful bedspreads, tablecloths, and doilies. In her later years, she lovingly created dozens of wonderful blankets for her family. If you've ever been fortunate enough to receive a homemade blanket as a gift, you know how much time and love she put into her creations.
Summers were cherished moments for Leonor as she returned to her homeland, Mexico, bringing her children along to immerse them in her culture and share the experiences that shaped her. Family gatherings in Aguascalientes were always filled with laughter, music, and an unbreakable bond among her siblings.
Even in her later years, well into her 80s, Leonor could be found strolling hand in hand with her beloved husband. She relished precious moments with her children and grandchildren, hosting numerous Sunday dinners where she prepared the most tender yet crispy, flavorful pot roast and perfected Mexican-style rice. When the family visited, Leonor was always quick to ask if you were hungry or tired and ready to provide a warm meal and a comfortable blanket to nap under, even if it was the middle of July. Her family loved spending time in her shady backyard, where there was always a cool breeze no matter the season. She had a green thumb, and together with Aurelio, they turned their little yard into a lush garden full of succulents, fruit trees, and roses.
Leonor loved to reminisce while looking through photos of her childhood, her family, her children, and grandchildren. Even in her last years when her memory started to decline, she could vividly recall stories of beloved Aguascalientes. These stories were often shared around the kitchen table while indulging in her favorite pan dulce treats, leading to contagious laughter, tears, and the kind of contented fullness that warms the soul.
Our mother was our rock—the center of our family—always ready to listen, support, and love us unconditionally. Her loss has left an emptiness in us all, but her memories will endure, and she will be deeply missed forever.
A visitation and memorial service for Leonor will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 1401 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740.
Visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Memorial Service 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Following the memorial will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Oakdale Memorial Park, 1401 South Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740.
A reception will be held following the graveside service at the home of Carlos and Rosanna Rosales, 14666 Ontario Circle, Fontana 92336
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OakdaleMortuaryGlendora.com for the Rosales family.
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