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Rose Aliaga Obituary

Rose Gloria Aliaga
Rose Gloria Aliaga, 85, known and loved by many as "Dolly" passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Dolly was the daughter of Steve and Mafalda Filippini. She grew up in North Beach and attended Mercy High School in San Francisco. Dolly graduated from UC Berkeley and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It was there on a blind date she met the love of her life, Nicholas Martin Aliaga. They married on August 26, 1961, in San Francisco. During their early married life, they lived in Park Merced. Dolly worked as an elementary school teacher for three years. They moved to Burlingame and ultimately resided in Hillsborough.
Dolly loved to cook and anyone who had a chance to taste her meals knows how lucky they are. She was a dedicated mahjong player and always looked forward to game days. She enjoyed her garden, being involved in The Hillsborough Garden Club, keeping up with the stock market and her involvement in her Fortune 20 group. She felt much gratitude for her family and incredible group of friends whose companionship and love meant the world to her.
Dolly is survived by her husband Nick; her brother Frank Filippini (Melvee); two children, Nicole Smith, (Gordon) and Chris Aliaga, (Erin); and eight grandchildren, Abigail, Olivia, Georgia and Sophie Smith, Lucca, Auggie, Casper and Sebi Aliaga. They will dearly miss their Keeko.
At Dolly's request no memorial is planned at this time. A private service for family members will be held in the coming months.
Cooking a meal for a loved one is the perfect way to celebrate her life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Rose Aliaga

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Not sure what to say?





Frank & Marilyn Nassano

July 16, 2024

Nick, Nicole, and Chris,

We wanted to do something special for a special person as Dolly was so special to us. Hope this tree blooms forever in her honor. We think of all you and love you.

With love,
Frank ("Indian") and Marilyn Nassano

Single Memorial Tree

Frank & Marilyn Nassano

Planted Trees

Yancie Richmond

May 10, 2024

Here is an oldie but goodie

The Richmond´s

May 10, 2024

Nick, Chris and Nicole,
We are so very sad to hear that Dolly has passed away. She was always my favorite cousin I loved her way putting her family first and also including her extended family for all my Christmas Holidays growing up and even my children enjoyed Christmas Day at the Aliaga Home! My boys often bring up riding their Razor scooters on the long driveway at your home and basketball with Chris.
I recently had all my Dads slides digitized and I have so many pictures of everyone.
I never knew Dolly was a mahjong player it is my favorite pastime I will play a game in her memory this week, It´s a wonderful game.
I also just made Dolly´s famous chicken because Mike had randomly requested it!
May God keep you all in his arms and keep all your wonderful memories of Dolly in your hearts.
Love to all The Your family,
The Richmond´s
Mike, Yancie, Michael ( Jordan), Matthew (Ansley), Mitchell (Megan) and Marcella (Brad)

Glenda Spohr

April 21, 2024

Nick, I'm so sorry to hear about Dolly. I'll always cherished the friendship and fun times we had in the 60's and 70's. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Glenda Nassano-Spohr

Alana A Fitzgerald

April 19, 2024

The world is forever changed without Dolly Aliaga, a bright, talented, witty and thoughtful neighbor and friend. Everything "cool" my mother ever bought us for Christmas, was thanks to Dolly's clever insight. I had lovely roses at Presents, since she knew how sororities worked. My folks, my brother and I had a wonderful Italian vacation experience, even meting up in Paris thanks to her. She seemed to be always rooting for us all and I am forever grateful. I know my Dad will be thrilled to see her in Heaven. God bless the Aliaga family.

Maria, Joe & Dominic Conetto

April 17, 2024

Dolly, my dearest cousin & soul-mate! We grew up together & shared so many special times, that included, Maid of Honor for each other & Godmothers, to our first born children, Nicole & Dominic.
We spent every Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter together. Being Italian, there was always lots of food, fun & laughter.
It began with my parents, Ada & Tom Basta-hosting Thanksgiving, Aunt Muff & Uncle Steve Filippini-hosting Christmas, & my sister, Vilma-hosting Easter.
It would take a book to tell you al the hilarious times that we had together.
As time went on, families were growing, & we didn't get together as much. Time just went by so fast & in
Dec. of 2022, thanks to Chris, Erin, Dolly & Nick, we all got together for Christmas, at Dolly & Nick's house once again.
Those family celebrations & traditions will go on.
We will miss Dolly's shining spirit, humor, & fabulous cooking! Dolly was so special, that no one will be able to fill her shoes!
I know she is in heaven, feeding everyone
Heaven got a bonus when she arrived on April 7, 2024.

Nick Ames

April 17, 2024

Nick and Chris, I did not know Rose well but I am sure she was a beautiful soul. God Bless you and your families. You are truly wonderful people who give me great joy every time I see you.
Best Wishes, Nick Ames

Michelle, Laramie, Anaïs, Capri and Steele Thurber

April 15, 2024

Extending our deepest sympathies for the loss of Aunt Dolly. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.
We were always blessed with hugs and kissed, great food, and great company with Aunt Dolley and Uncle Nick, when us crazy Canadians would come down to California and would want to swim in the pool for hours.

Vanessa,, John, Johnny & Spencer Brady

April 12, 2024

We have been fortunate to spend infinite Christmas´s with Dolly & Nick & family and all of our cousins , which we hold dear to our hearts .
It is a sad day , as I am writing this memory of our "Beloved Dolly". She brought so much fun , to all of our holidays & delicious cooking .
She also shared her famous chicken recipe which everyone loves, & my fan club -is grateful for .
Most of all, she brought all the family together.
Recently , we have been spending holidays together , again and have cherished every one of them.
We will miss you ,"Dearest Dolly" , you are a wonderful & amazing person .

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