Roselia Catalina Zaldivar

1937 - 2023

Waterford - Roselia Catalina Higuera Zaldivar passed away peacefully surrounded by her two children and husband of 62 years Sept. 5, 2023. In her last days, she was surrounded by all her grandsons and other family members. Born Sept. 14, 1937, in Holguin, Cuba to Emilio Higuera and Inez Miranda, Roselia met Mauro O. Zaldivar in 1952, when he spotted her in church and noticed this beautiful 16-year-old in a white dress, who reminded him of an angel. After a long courtship, Mauro and Roselia were married Dec. 22, 1960, in Holguin, Cuba. She then came to the United States in August 1961.

Roselia's life mission was raising her two children, Rebeca and David, and being a large presence in her five grandsons' lives. Her love for family was felt in everything she did. She always put family first in all aspects of life.

Roselia's impact on family extended beyond her immediate family, having cousins and family in Miami, Kentucky, Connecticut, Virginia, California, Spain, and Cuba. Roselia made every effort to support and love her family, often looking forward to family events, whether it was a grandchild's baseball game or a holiday. She was a wonderful cook, bringing Cuban and Spanish dishes to every holiday gathering. She also loved to spend time outside, gardening or collecting shells on the beach. Roselia truly lived the American Dream. Immigrating from Cuba, Roselia worked her way up to retirement from Monsanto Co. in 1999. She helped pave the way for her family to fulfill their dreams in a new country and was so proud of her family and their successes.

In addition to her husband Mauro, she will be dearly missed by her daughter Rebeca (Frank) Dellaporta; son David (Denise) Zaldivar; and her five grandsons: Taylor (Kylen) Zaldivar, Christopher Dellaporta, David Zaldivar (fiancée Maddy), Joseph Dellaporta and Michael Dellaporta. Roselia also leaves behind her sister Crucita (Joaquin) Perez of Santa Clara, Calif.; her brother Emilio Higuera of Holguin, Cuba; nieces and nephews in Cuba, California, and Virginia; and cousins in Spain, Cuba, and the United States. She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother Joaquin Higuera.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care she received in her last few days. A special thanks to Dr. Patrick Doherty, Juan Delprado, P.A., Dr. Song and the nurses on 4.2.

Roselia's legacy will live on through her family who loved her so much.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Broad Street, New London. Mrs. Zaldivar's family invites you to offer condolences, share memories and view Roselia's online video tribute at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.