Rosa Villafana

Rosa Elvira Villafaña was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished member of her community. Born on February 18, 1959, in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Arnulfo and Roberta González, she was one of three sisters. She is preceded in death by her sister Ana María and survived by her sister Bertha.

Rosa’s life was deeply rooted in love, service, and faith. Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, José Antonio Villafaña, and their six children: Israel, Raúl, Rudy, Anthony, Marylyn, and Stephanie. She was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Valerie, Samantha, Marlena, Izabella, Raúl Jr., Alexandra, Yasmine, Michael, Anthony Jr., Andrew, and Adrián.

Rosa was a pillar in her community, dedicating much of her life to education and advocacy. She was an active parent volunteer with the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she worked tirelessly to support families and improve the educational experience for students. She helped open multiple Parent Centers and created supportive spaces for learning and empowerment at schools such as Loreto Street Elementary, Nightingale Middle School, Wilson High School, Bravo Medical Magnet, Lincoln High School, and Franklin High School.

Beyond education, Rosa led and participated in various community groups that focused on crafts, reading, and cultural traditions. She used her creativity and leadership to bring people together, encourage learning, and create a sense of unity among families.

A proud Navy and Army mom, Rosa was honored by the military for her unwavering support when two of her sons and a son-in-law served and later retired from the United States Armed Forces. Her patriotism was a reflection of her deep love for her family and country.

Rosa also expressed her love through her extraordinary talent in the kitchen. Cooking was her way of nurturing others and bringing people together. Her kitchen was her sanctuary, and her meals—especially her pozole, menudo, tamales, and mole—were legendary. She never cooked small portions; she cooked to share, to comfort, and to celebrate. Her food was more than nourishment—it was an extension of her love, her culture, and her generous spirit.

 Rosa found strength and peace in her faith. As an active member of Divine Saviour Catholic Church, she especially dedicated herself to the grief and consoling ministry, offering prayer and comfort to families experiencing loss.

Rosa was a woman of strength, kindness, devotion, and deep faith. Her legacy lives on through her family, her community work, her love for others, and the countless lives she touched. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains woven into the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Rest in peace, Rosa Elvira Villafaña. You will forever be loved, remembered, and honored.