Gladys Rosa

Gladys was born on October 26, 1945, in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. As a young girl, she moved to New York with her widowed mother and sister, Hilda. That journey marked the beginning of a life shaped by love, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

In 1966, Gladys married her love, Victor. Together, they raised four daughters in the Bronx and Queens, NY, before relocating to Marin County, California, in 1979 to be closer to her sister Hilda and her family. Gladys dedicated 20 years of service to the County of Marin’s Department of Human Resources Administration, retiring in 1999. Retirement brought her the gift of time—time to nurture her growing family and savor life’s simple pleasures.

She and Victor settled in Petaluma, California, where they spent the rest of their lives on the city's east side. Their home became a haven for family and friends filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

Gladys was a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ and a devoted wife for nearly 50 years until Victor’s passing in 2014. She was a loving grandmother to seven beautiful grandchildren, each of whom carries cherished memories of their time with her.

Her passions were simple yet vibrant: A delicious plate of Puerto Rican food; Trips to Lake Tahoe and the thrill of a few spins on a slot machine; Shopping sprees where she rarely bought for herself but always found something to bless others; Butterflies with colorful wings that brought her joy; Decorative teapots proudly displayed in her kitchen; Family celebrations and holidays—her favorite reason to deck her house in seasonal décor, gather loved ones, share good food, and express her love through gift-giving. She also loved listening to old hymns and 1950's music, which filled her heart with joy!

Gladys passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, just five weeks shy of her 80th birthday. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved so deeply.