Rosa Ortiz

Rosa Ortiz, age 76, passed away unexpectedly at home, surrounded by her loving family, she was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Arroyo, she grew up with the heart, rhythm, and soul of the island, roots she carried with pride and shared openly with everyone blessed to know her.
She was the daughter of the late Jose Medina and Petra Delon, and the cherished sister of Aurora, Pedro, Carmen, and Irma.
Rosa was once married to Victor Ortiz, and together they raised their greatest joys: their two sons, Victor and Edward, who remained the heartbeat of her world. Her family blossomed through her grandchildren Rosemarie, Anthony, Erica, Victoria, Edward Jr., Marisol, Leonidas, and Aaliyah, and her great-grandchildren Angel, Kassidy, Anthony, Riot, and Cataleya. Her love stretched far beyond bloodlines; up and down Topping Ave, she welcomed countless "adoptive" children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren into her home. If you were hungry, Rosa would have a plate ready and waiting. If you needed a place to rest, her home was always open. And if you needed love, she gave it freely, in overflowing abundance, to anyone who crossed her path.
Before choosing to stay home and pour her life into her family, Rosa worked in a suitcase factory. But her true calling was as the matriarch of her family and home, a homemaker whose meals, lessons, and love shaped generations.
Rosa lived life loudly, joyfully, and unapologetically. A true social butterfly, she brought energy and laughter wherever she went. She loved cooking for her family and friends, enjoying long social hours listening to music and dancing late into the night, cooling off with a swim in the hot New York weather, and most famously her novellas. Her daily shows were sacred; you did not interrupt Rosa when her shows were on.
At 5'5", Rosa was small but mighty, feisty, bold, and never one to shy away from stepping into the middle of a disagreement. Whether on 173rd or Topping Ave, everyone knew she could settle an argument faster than anyone else. Her loyalty was fierce, her presence unforgettable, and her generosity boundless; she would give the clothes off her back without hesitation.
And, of course, she kept her legendary little black book not just filled with phone numbers, but a record of who owed her. Rosa never forgot, and in her own playful way, she made sure you remembered what you owed her too.
Life dealt her many challenges, from health battles to the loss of loved ones, but she faced each with resilience and unshakeable love for her family. Her proudest moments were watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, succeed, and continue the unity she worked so hard to build. She had a beautiful gift for gathering people through food, through laughter, through tradition, or simply by being herself.
She is survived by her ex-husband Victor, her sons Victor and Edward, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her wide-reaching extended family, along with the many individuals she guided, supported, and raised. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her lifelong partner Bienvenido and many beloved relatives and friends. With so many gone before her, Rosa became one of the last of her generation carrying their stories, love, and legacy.
Rosa's words were her honor. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, open doors, and open arms. Her spirit will forever live on in the countless lives she has touched. May she rest peacefully, reunited with those who went before her, and continue watching over the family she treasured.
Services will be held on 12/14/2025 @ 4PM at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus. The family welcomes flowers and any expressions of love in her honor to be sent to 440 E Klatt Rd Suite B. They invite everyone to honor her memory by continuing the kindness, generosity, and loyalty she practiced every day.