Rosita M. Woryna

She was the beloved daughter of Justin and Martha (Ladewig) Woryna.

Rosita grew up in war-torn Berlin and shared a close childhood bond with her cousin, Renate (Plessow) Finn. They spent much of their early lives together, sharing laughter, adventures, and a little mischief along the way. During many summers, they traveled alone by train to the small farming village of Hirschfelde to help care for their grandmother’s cows. These early experiences helped shape Rosita’s independence, courage, and strong sense of responsibility.

In the early 1960s, Rosita came to the United States and worked as an au pair. Determined to pursue her dream of flying, she convinced Renate to come to the U.S. and take her place. This single decision changed both of their lives—Rosita went on to become a flight attendant, and Renate met the love of her life, Regis Finn, just three days after arriving.

In 1964, Rosita graduated from TWA Flight School and began her 36 year career as a Trans World Airlines stewardess. She loved her work and the opportunity to travel the world. Egypt was especially dear to her and remained one of her favorite destinations.

After living for several years in New York with fellow TWA stewardesses, Rosita relocated to Bay Farm Island in Alameda, California. There, she built a full and happy life surrounded by friends she considered family. She enjoyed long walks, gardening, the Red Hat Society, monthly Bunko games, and later a German Stammtisch group. She loved travel, learning, and shared experiences—whether exploring Paris and Berlin, visiting national parks, taking computer and language classes, or whale watching along the California coast. At home, she found great joy in her beloved Bengal cats, whom she cherished as her own children.

Rosita also remained close to her extended “family” of TWA colleagues, often traveling with them and reuniting with many in Kansas City to celebrate fifty years of friendship and the bonds they had nurtured over a lifetime. She was deeply devoted to her parents, caring for them as they aged by frequently traveling to Berlin or bringing them to California.

In her later years, Rosita was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2017, she moved to Maryland to live with her cousin Renate and Renate’s husband, Regis, reconnecting with family before transitioning to assisted living in 2019.

Rosita faced the later years of her life with quiet courage and grace. Surrounded by a team of compassionate caregivers at Sunrise of Montgomery Village, she spent her final days with comfort, dignity, and peace. Her family is profoundly grateful to these unsung heroes, whose dedication, kindness, and patience provided care with warmth and professionalism, allowing Rosita to live her final chapter with respect, love, and serenity.

While Rosita never married and had no children of her own, she created a family through enduring friendships, deep affection, and the animals she dearly loved. She is survived by her cousin Renate (Plessow) Finn and her family, several other cousins, and many cherished friends. Renate’s five children lovingly adopted Rosita as their Tante (the German word for “aunt”) and hold fond memories of her from childhood through their adult lives.

Rosita lived a life marked by independence, generosity, and a love of the world. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew her.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosita’s memory to a local animal shelter or to the Alzheimer’s Association.