In the Barrio of Buenos Aires, Lares, Puerto Rico to her parents Dolores Valentin Garcia and Antonio Diaz Rosado. She grew up in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and later moved to Chicago, Illinois, and married Benjamin Otero Rivera.
In addition to raising their six children, Rosalia and Benjamin often opened their home to a family member or friend in need of a place to stay, leaving a legacy of sharing and generosity which will forever be remembered by those who knew them.
Loving Mother of the late Marilyn (Robert) Rivera, Alice (Alfonso) Chavez, Sandy Jimenez, Benjamin (Michelle) Rivera, Angelo Rivera, and Emilio (Ayn) Rivera
Cherished Grandmother of Rosie (Frank) Quinones, Robert (Tania) Rivera, Jr., Miguel (Nancy) Chavez, Maria (Tino) Negrete, Luke (Jessica) Jimenez, Sarah (Larry) Youngberg, Christina Rivera, Benjamin Rivera III, Alisha Leitl, Nikko Rivera, Alex Rivera, Angel Rivera, Jessica Rivera, Marilyn (Jose) Zetina, Francesca Rivera, Emilio Rivera, Jr., Ashley Zastresek, Luis Arguello, and Victoria Arguello.
Beloved Great Grandmother to many great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her Loving Husband Benjamin Rivera and her beloved daughter Marilyn Rivera.
Rosalia truly had a green thumb and proudly displayed it over the years through her home gardens and indoor plants that she nurtured and kept thriving for years. She had a special talent for bringing plants back to life that might otherwise not have survived. She also enjoyed an occasional summer afternoon of fishing, but only if someone else baited the hook! In addition to gardening and fishing, Rosalia was a woman of many other talents, which included crocheting, sewing, crafting and cooking, especially when it came to making traditional Puerto Rican dishes for her family. Anyone who knew Rosalia also knew that two of her favorite pastimes were playing bingo and trying to seek out the friendly slot machines during a trip to the casino. She also worked at Zemsky's retail stores in Chicago for over 25 years.
At about the age of 70, after taking a painting class at a local community college with friends, she discovered a love and talent for a new hobby that would remain a significant source of enjoyment for her for the remainder of her life. She practiced and then perfected her painting skills, leaving us with many beautiful works of art to remember her by and treasure for years to come.
But above all else, she cherished the times spent celebrating life and making great memories with her family and many of the close friends with whom she shared decades-long friendships. She was a strong, kindhearted, devoted, nurturing and spiritual woman who will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 S. Oak Park Avenue, Stickney, IL 60402 (708) 749-2033 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Mount Auburn Funeral Home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 50 or fewer guests at services at a time. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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