Rosalie Charlotte Sterling

Rosalie Charlotte Sterling passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024. Born in Fountain Valley on November 25, 1940, she was the youngest of nine children. Growing up, Rosalie was often seen on her father’s lap but also helped her older sister, Andrea, with household chores. Her older brothers, Victor and Ray, left home to start families of their own, and their children, close in age to Rosalie, became her lifelong friends. Rosalie graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 1958.

Rosalie met Jim Sterling, the love of her life, in elementary school, where he was friends with her older brothers. She often said that she had a crush on him long before he ever noticed her. They started dating when Rosalie was 16, and were always chaperoned until their wedding day. Thankfully, Rosalie’s sister Andrea, and Jim’s brother, Mark had married around this time and were their frequent chaperones. Rosalie and Jim married on April 23, 1960.

After Jim served his country in the National Guard, he and Rosalie started their family. Sharon, Scott, and Shaun grew up in a loving home that included cousins, aunts, and uncles from both sides of the family including double cousins Liz and Bob, their cousins from Andrea and Mark. The family lived in Santa Ana where they were involved in the Little League, Boy and Girl Scouts, and Booster communities.

After 37 years of marriage, Jim was suddenly taken ill with pancreatic cancer and died at 59 years old. While heartbroken, Rosalie continued to support her children and grandchildren with all of her energy and love. In 2003, Rosalie welcomed her first grandchild, Jack, born to Scott and his wife, Sheryl. As "Nana," Rosalie found endless joy in Jack, who became a true blessing in her life. In 2013, Serenity and Destiny joined Sharon’s family, and Rosalie instantly fell in love with them. She treasured her visits to the Bay Area and was thrilled when they moved to Santa Ana, bringing them closer to her.

Rosalie began her career with the Santa Ana School District as a school secretary at Lowell Elementary before moving to the District office, where she eventually became the Administrative Secretary for Human Resources. Her colleagues remember her as a compassionate and joyful presence. After two decades, Rosalie retired in 2001.

Even as she faced the challenges of illness and memory loss in her later years, Rosalie’s joy for life and sweet spirit remained undiminished. She continued to find happiness in the simple pleasures of life; cooking, cleaning, and being with family and friends.

Rosalie will be deeply missed by her children, Sharon, Scott, and Shaun; her daughter-in-law, Sheryl; grandchildren, Jack, Serenity, and Destiny; her sister and brothers; and nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives she touched.

A visitation for Rosalie will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 6, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 6, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

The family would like to ask that you dress in light clothes for the weather and bring umbrellas for shade for the walk to the gravesite.