Ortiz, Rosa Elisa
Gates: Passed away Monday, September 17, 2018, at age 87. Predeceased by her husband, Julio Ortiz; sons, Julio, Luis and Frederick Ortiz; brother, Antonio Reyes; sisters, Cynthia Morales and Ilia Lopez. She is survived by her children, Melvin (Shirley) Ortiz, Roberto Ortiz, Roy Ortiz, Abilia (Steve) Talbott, David Ortiz; daughters-in-law, Adriana Ortiz, Marlene Ortiz; 14 grandchildren, Bronson and Crystal Ortiz, Rosa, Anthony, and Erica Ortiz, Steven Talbott and Alexandra Buckner, Frederick and Marketa Luckett, Sarah, Nelson and Julian Ortiz, Michael Ortiz, and Caitie Ortiz; several great grandchildren; brother, Roberto (Rose) Reyes; sister, Carmen Cabrera; sister-in-law, Santa Reyes; many nieces and nephews.
Rosa was born in Puerto Rico but spent many years in Northwest Indiana and in Pensacola, Florida. For the past 3 years she has been living in Rochester, NY with her only daughter Abby. She is a cancer survivor and also suffered from Alzhiemers. She loved flowers and in her last days would sing “Mi Viejo San Juan”, Puerto Rico’s anthem.
Rosa loved to sing, dance (often imitating Michael Jackson doing the moon walk wearing a Fedora and Prince) and enjoyed making people laugh. When she attended neighbor’s bon fires, she was the life of the party. People who know her very well, know that she liked to make people laugh by doing “the walrus”. She had a beautiful smile that she flashed until the very end. When she was no longer able to speak, she still had a smile for everyone. She was also very artistic and creative and was recognized in her year book. She took an Advanced Art class. She was one of the first Puerto Ricans to graduate from Hobart High School where she graduated with honors.
No prior calling. On Saturday afternoon, September 22, all are invited to attend her memorial funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 391 Genesee Park Blvd., Rochester, NY 14619. Those wishing, donations may be directed to Gilda’s Club of Rochester, 255 Alexander St., Rochester, NY 14607 in her memory.