Hanako "Rose" Yamamoto Bayuga

In Loving Memory of Hanako “Rose” Yamamoto Bayuga

Hanako “Rose” Yamamoto Bayuga was born on November 4, 1922, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Teruma Yamamoto and Antonia Montoya. She passed away peacefully in Madera Ranchos, California, on July 15, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Rose worked for many years at Wheeler Hospital as a beloved nurse’s aide. After retiring from the hospital, she continued her calling to care for others by working as a private caregiver for many families in Santa Clara County until she was 84 years old.

Rose’s home was always filled with family and friends. She was one of the kindest and most generous people anyone could know, and her love was unconditional. She adored her dogs and birds, loved to dance, enjoyed all genres of music, and especially enjoyed spending time at the casino with her brothers.

Rose was a member of the Morning Glories bowling league and took classes at Gavilan College. She had a special love for antiques, the beach, and flea markets. She enjoyed discovering treasures and, more importantly, making memories along the way.

Rose married George Abella Bayuga in Santa Monica, California, Stockton, Coyote, Morgan Hill , San Martin and eventually settled in Gilroy. Together, they raised a loving family.

She is survived by her children: Ernest (Tely), Douglas (Maria), Philip, Greg (Romy), Espe, Shirlee, and Patty (Ron). She was also a loving grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as a beloved aunt, cousin, stepsister, and friend to many.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, George Bayuga Sr.; her eldest son, George Y. Bayuga Jr.; her grandson, Christopher Thomas; and all of her siblings and parents.

Rose will forever be remembered for her kindness, generosity, unconditional love, and the warmth she brought into the lives of everyone around her.

She loved to tell people that she was 4 feet, 11¾ inches tall. She spoke English and Spanish fluently with a working knowledge of Japanese. She loved to recite the children’s tongue twister, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” These little details, along with her beautiful personality, will forever bring smiles to those who knew and loved her.

Her home, her heart, and her love will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and in the generations of family she leaves behind.

Memorial Service

Please join us in celebrating Rose’s life on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

12:00 noon

Mass Service

St. Mary’s Church

11 1st Street

Gilroy, California

Following Mass, we will proceed to:

St. Mary’s Cemetery

900 1st Street

Gilroy, California

for her burial.

Celebration of Life Reception

2:00–7:00 p.m.

Gilroy Elks Lodge

2765 Hecker Pass Highway

Gilroy, California

A mariachi band will play from 2:30–4:30 p.m.

A buffet dinner will be served at approximately 3:00–3:30 p.m.

We invite family and friends to come together to celebrate Rose’s beautiful life, share memories, and honor the love she gave so freely to all of us.

For questions, please contact:

Patty: 209-675-5020

Shirlee: 408-693-7776