Rosa Elia Zaldivar

Rosa Elia Zaldivar, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 31, 2026. Born on August 30, 1935, in Austin, Texas, Rosa lived a life rooted in faith, family, resilience, and unwavering integrity. She was a woman of quiet strength whose kindness, wisdom, and devotion left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Rosa had an incredible presence, a combination of her strong personality, her profound joy, her convictions, and her big heart.

As a teenager, Rosa met the love of her life, Francisco, while visiting a relative in a hospital in Mexico City. Within two years, they were married and spent over 60 memorable years together. They settled in the town of Gilroy in the late1950s, where they raised their seven children and immersed themselves in the small-town community. Rosa dedicated 32 years of service to Gilroy Foods-Gentry, where she was known for her strong work ethic. Aside from her family, her greatest calling and passion was her faith. A devoted member of St. Mary Church, she spent over 40 years serving as a catechism teacher, a Eucharist Minister, and a church volunteer, lending a hand wherever needed. In addition, Rosa was always finding meaningful ways to contribute to her community. She was a bright volunteer fixture at St. Mary’s School where all her children attended, and at the St. Louise Hospital gift shop well into her golden years. Rosa expressed her love through acts of service and hospitality.

Rosa was an exceptional cook whose homemade meals became treasured family traditions (in her last week, she recited her tamale recipe three times to her children and made sure her daughters put a pot of rice and beans on the stove daily, to ensure the traditions continued). Rosa especially looked forward to hosting the annual tamalada (where she would enforce strict standards and you would be temporarily “cut” from the tamale line if you weren’t meeting them), Saturday evening dinners with the family after church, birthday celebrations, and Christmas gatherings. Rosa also enjoyed trips to Europe, Mexico and Southern California with her family and friends. Rosa reveled in welcoming family and friends around a large table filled with delicious food, laughter, music, and love. Those gatherings reflected what mattered most to her, faith, family, and togetherness. Rosa exuded a playful and joyous spirit. Whenever music began to play (especially Mariachi music), she never missed the chance to dance or sing with her grandchildren. She spent hours playing Rummy or la Loteria around the kitchen table (for money, of course), challenging loved ones to a game of Scrabble, staying connected through Words with Friends, or visiting local casinos. As competitive as she was playful, you would be “lovingly” banished for winning consecutive games of Rummy and labeled a chapucera (shoddy player) if you beat her in Scrabble. Those spontaneous moments of laughter, lightheartedness, and levity have become treasured memories that her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Rosa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francisco, her children, Olga, Frank, and Danny, her sister Maria, and her brother Antonio. She is lovingly remembered by her surviving children, Aida (late husband, Lyle), Irma (Sam), Raúl (Marilyn), and Javier (Alma), as well as her daughter-in-law, Tracey (widow of Frank). Rosa was also the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her tremendous joy and pride. She is also survived by her sister, Graciela Frausto, and several extended nieces and nephews.

Our beautiful mama Rosa will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she is no longer with us, the values she instilled, the traditions she created, and the love she so freely shared, will remain a lasting gift to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched, for generations to come. Rest, Rosa, in the words of one of your favorite songs, you are finally in your “Hogar, más allá del sol.” You are “home, beyond the sun” … Have no doubt, though, that your legacy will live on.

Services:

Viewing and Rosary: Monday, August 10th - 5-7:00 pm Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.

Funeral Mass: Tuesday, August 11th, 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Gilroy.

(in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to South County Community Center, 7950 Church St. Ste. A, Gilroy, CA 95020)