Rosie Mena RODRIGUEZ

Rosie RODRIGUEZ Obituary

RODRIGUEZ, Rosie Mena A great jazz pianist has left the room. Rosie Mena Rodriguez, born in Los Angeles, CA, passed away peacefully at age 84 in San Francisco, CA, on July 9, 2016, and was cremated. Rosie was preceded in death by brother William Rodriguez; survived by sisters Grace Pompa, Mary Rivera, brother Robert Rodriguez, as well as loving nephews and nieces. Rosie had an extensive career life, but her greatest enjoyment was playing piano. "Jazz saved me" was one of her favorite sayings, meaning it saved her from ever getting married. She appeared with her trio, the Rose Trio, at many jazz venues in Los Angeles and San Francisco. She was also an opera aficionado and loved dressing up in all her finery to attend the opera. Rosie loved animals and fed stray animals whenever she could. This love for animals and expertise led to her own television program, Animal Spectrum, in the 1970s. Rosie's originality, humor, generosity, and talents will be missed by all her friends and family.

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Published by Press Democrat on Nov. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosie RODRIGUEZ

13 Entries

Salvador Rivera

July 17, 2017

Rosie was my aunt. I remember her as having a great sense of humor. Everyone talked about her great musical abilities. As a child I remember her visiting my grandparents after they had built their mini-hawaiian village in their backyard-rosie got her creativity from them. I had not seen Rosie since 1969 when my grandmother died, so I am grateful for the photos of her that were posted. I appreciate the fact that she took very good care of my Grandfather. He went to go live with her about 1970 and she helped lift him out of his depression. I wish I could have known both of them better. They were both really interesting, creative and smart people. Many thanks to the family members that left comments.

Salvador Rivera, Nephew

Delia Medina - Salinas

February 13, 2017

Recalling my cousin Rosie exciting life
Rosie Mena Rodrigues was a cousin that became very close to me, Delia thought our lifetime. In the 1940's we were kids, when my father Baudelio Medina packed aunt Rosa's family with ours in dad's 1935 Packard; we went on outing, parks, mountains, and Long Beach.
While growing up in Los Angeles, Rosie had extensive studies in music, Jazz, piano and singing. She was very active in her music world leading to professional performances. She had a group, Rosie and Thorns; the four men accompanied her with other instruments. Rosie played in the Los Angeles area, including Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.
She loved to travel, including Europe and to Hawaii where she decided to live for several years and played piano, singing in the most famous hotels. Rosie sent me the Hawaii Newspaper entertainment section page, where Rosie's advertising was much bigger than Liz Tailor, Cleopatra movie opening premiered.
Then Rosie came back to live in San Francisco and continued her entertainment talents. She was also very involved with the San Francisco Opera Society, and had her Television Program where one of her guests was Rudy Valley.
Throughout my life I continued to visit my fun loving and exciting cousin Rosie and cats. We always insisted that she play music in her grand piano for us. One day my three-year-old son Mario took a pencil and played on her coffee table. She suddenly stopped playing, insisting my son Mario had an ear for music since he kept beat with her music. She was right he love singing at seven, played guitar as he grew up (formed his own group) in the music world.
We regret Rosie's passing in 2016, and are forever grateful to have been able to share some interesting times with Rosie. Some said she was a little crazy, but she was out of the ordinary and exciting. Rosie's spirit is full of life, which will continue to lives in our hearts and minds forever. I Delia Medina love all my family and am sure my mother Trinidad Mena's side; also have great memories of Rosie Mena may she rest in peace, Amen

Grace and Rosie Pompa and Rodriguez

December 9, 2016

December 5, 2016

Mario Pompa

December 5, 2016

1987 Rosie Rodriguez and nephew (Godson) Mario Pompa

Mario Pompa

December 5, 2016

1985

December 5, 2016

Mario Pompa

December 4, 2016

Rosie, can easily recall as a boy your charm, voice, presence was always exciting. While as a young man I found you most inspiring. Really enjoyed/will forever appreciate you introducing me to the world of Opera. Attending "Opening nights" with you was truly an event! As a man you always empowered me particularly with my interest in politics and would genuinely share my excitement. I so terribly miss knocking on your door and entering/experiencing your lovely home (so many interesting things alongside your lovely Baby Grand Piano). I miss your cats and I oh so miss you. XxMario Anthony Pompa, Jr.

November 13, 2016

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.

Aunti Rosie you will never be forgotten and I will always have you with me daily , wearing your jewelry or with my loud laugh and having others recognize and I responding" I received that gift from my Aunti Rosie".

Every blade in the field, every leaf in the forest,lays down its life in its season as beautifully as it was taken up.
Henry David Thoreau

Love
Veronica

Monica Pompa

November 10, 2016

Rosie, I can't tell you how disappointed I am to not have met you in person. You were so important to my mom and that alone is such a precious gift. As children we didn't keep in contact with very many relatives but I always looked forward to taking my turn talking to you on the phone on holidays. You graciously sent us special gifts over the years and I have the beautiful glass lamp you sent me as a teenager. Your glamour was such an inspiration! I always thought I'd have the opportunity to go to the Opera with you and Mario and when I do, I think the opera house will be filled with your love for it. Rest In Peace in Gods arms.

Steven Martin

November 6, 2016

Rosie, you are not forgotten and ever since I had the pleasure of meeting you with Grace in 1988 after moving to Sonoma County, I was always entertained by you and the extravagant little parties you put on for us. You always had something to show us and the cats entertained us at the same time. We are very grateful to have had a wonderful lady as you are to be around and enjoy company always. You are here with us in heart and soul and we are glad to have you with us again.

Your Professional Pictures

November 6, 2016

Rosie, I really miss you but I am so glad you are here with me. You were not only my sister, but my best friend. We used to have so much fun when we were kids and later on in life. I remember when we used to play ballet and we used to have contests to see who could stand on their toes the longest. And then I would climb the old sofa we had outside and jump and you would catch me like the dancers do. Oh, and we can't forget Mrs. Spot. To this day I still want to know what you and Mrs. Spot always discussed in front of me but for some strange reason I could hear you, but couldn't hear the chicken. Ha! Oh, I have so many memories - your taking me to City Terrace Park, the dolls I would mess up and then give to you and after I saw how pretty you made the dolls again, I would tell you to give me back my doll - and you always did without complaining! You have always been so generous. When I moved to No. Ca. you also gave me so many pretty things. But that wasn't the best part - the best part was the birthday parties we had at your house and our phone conversations every Thursday. And who could forget Club One! Don't worry - you are still officially the President, your cat Vice-President, I'm still Secretary, and Steve is still Sergeant-At-Arms. Ha! Well, like I said before, I am so happy to have you here in my house so I can talk to you whenever I want. Love You Forever, Your Little Sister Gracie

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