Rosa Clementina Welsh

Rosa Clementina Welsh, age 70, a long-time resident of Copperas Cove, transitioned to eternal life on October 3, 2019. She lost her battle to leukemia at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Born June 16, 1949, in Panama City, Republic of Panama to Martin Luther Campbell and Ethadene Constantine Ramsey Campbell. She graduated from Instituto José Dolores Moscote in 1968 earning a full scholarship to attend The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and continued her education earning a Master’s degree in Public Health. After completing her studies in Rio de Janeiro, she returned to Panama where she worked at Children’s Hospital Doctor José Renán Esquivel. There she was regarded by administrators and colleagues as a passionate and dedicated pediatric nurse.

In December 1976, Rosa met the love of her life Ricardo, a soldier in the United States Army and they later married. Rosa and Ricardo embarked on their life’s journey stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Rosa worked at King’s Daughters Hospital in Temple until they moved onto Fort Dix, New Jersey. The family then moved to Fulda, Germany where Rosa worked for Army Community Services. The family returned to The Great Place, Fort Hood, Texas and after 20 years of service with the Department of Social Work Services for Darnell Army Community Hospital, she retired on December 31, 2012.

Rosa was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, who believed in faith, family, respect, and the goodness in all people. She had a love for dogs. A love that would make her accept any dog that was in need of love and a home of their own. Rosa was the go-to person for almost anything and always willing to go beyond expectations to accomplish any given task. Rosa loved to cook and entertain. She always had a positive word of encouragement and a funny story to share with everyone no matter the situation or occasion. Her laughter was contagious, and her presence would illuminate any room. She was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman, who led by example. Her charisma will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know her. Family members saw her as a beacon of hope and blessings when she came around. A trait well lived.

Rosa is survived by her doting husband Ricardo, seven children: Ricardo Jr, Rachel, Gregory, Roberto, Maybel, Malayka, and Ingrid; 16 grandchildren, which includes her side-kick Evelyn Rose; brothers Carlos and Rupert, sisters Eleanor and Marva, nieces Tamara, Thania, Thaymiluz, nephews Carlos Jr, Robert, James, Jason and host of dear family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Martin; mother, Ethadene; sister, Cecilia; brother Peter and father-in-law, Homer.

Although Rosa will be missed by all whom loved her dearly, one will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace (when pertinent) and undying love and caring for them.

Rosa is resting now; she is at peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial is October 19, 2019 at 9:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove. A Committal Service will be October 21, 2019 at 11:00 am at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.