Nancy Rosales
1917 - 2008
Nancy Rosales April 24, 1917 - February 20, 2008 Our Mother, Nancy, passed away on February 20, 2008. Born in El Paso, Texas on April 24, 1917, to Catarino Romero and Guadalupe Salas, she was the adored mother, grandmother and reat-grandmother of a large and extended family. This original Yellow Rose of Texas was raised, however, in California and lived most of her life here in Bakersfield. She was the consummate homemaker and mother raising 8 children of her own and numerous grandchildren. In her early life, Nancy worked in her step-father's (Jose Flores) and mother's Mexican Café, El Párian, which was located on 20th and L Streets in the late 1920s . She married Rafael Martinez and they had 3 daughters: Mary Ascension Lozano (Paul), Nellie Estrada (Manuel) Dolores Mota (Gilbert). Widowed at the age of 21, Nancy later married Arthur Rojo Rosales and they had 5 children: Augustine Rosales (Joyce), Irene Spencer (Charles), Ruben Rosales (Frances), David Rosales (Irene) and Julie Ann Rosales (Alex Vasquez). Both of Nancy's husbands preceded her death. Our mother attended local schools but her real education came from life. She raised her children successfully and proudly ensured that each of her children received a sound education. She was always supportive of our efforts in our academic studies, sporting competition, and business ventures. Mother was easy to talk to and was always willing to share a friendly shoulder when we needed her the most. Mother was also widely appreciated for her generosity and her dry sense of humor. She was among the best with the "deadpan." There was always room at mother's table for the occasional friend or relative who stopped by to enjoy her wonderful Mexican cooking. To this day, few cooks can match her homemade tortillas, chicken mole, and enchiladas. Mother was also devoted to Our Lord Jesus Christ and her Catholic faith. Her daily evening rosary was a testimony to her religious commitment. Mother also had a great sense of patriotism for her country, sending four generations of warriors to serve in time of war from WWII to Vietnam to Desert Storm and to Iraq. Mother is survived by all eight of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren; her brother, Augustine Flores (Ruth); sisters, Sophie Goff and Jessie Salazar. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father; sisters, Magdalena Gutierrez, Josephine Salazar and Stella Flores; son-in-law, Manuel Estrada and daughter-in-law, Consuelo Rosales. Thank you to Dr. Sam Ratnayake, Optimal Home Health Care staff and Hoffman Hospice for the professional, warm and sensitive care that you gave our mother and family. Pallbearers included Augustine Rosales, Ruben Rosales, Oliver Rosales, Paul Lozano, Charles Spencer, Gilbert Mota, Alex Vasquez, David Lozano and Andrew Mota. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren. Recitation of the Rosary will be held Tuesday, February 26th, 6:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel, 3700 River Blvd. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Wednesday, February 27th, 10:00 a.m., at St. Francis Church. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday 3:00 - 9:00 pm. Memories Somewhat faded now are the photographs... Tainted with rust by time cracked and bent by millions...of miles A widow at distance I see saddened... and knowing burden from loss...holding at her breasts...one of three who meant most. Loving a son in those bitter times this print is my favorite of you...for as we build a world...for us and a borrowed shovel brought love. Our junior...our tomboy...the farmer...my dreamer...a princess...we gave them priceless heirlooms-our love, our heritage...our name. But years pass..mi querido...and you are in peace and I am...alone...they are all gone now... with families of their own. Somewhat faded now are the photographs. djr Greenlawn Mortuary Funeral Directors

Published in the Bakersfield Californian from 2/24/2008 - 2/25/2008.