It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Rose Martin on September 3, 2019. Rose is a loving and devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt (Tita) and friend to all whose lives she touched.
She was born on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan to Emilio and Dolores Martin. She grew up in the beautiful town of San Vicente in Santa Ignacia Tarlac, Philippines. She went to school in Manila, Philippines where she finished pre-nursing, and graduated with a BA In Business Administration major in accounting from Santa Isabel College. From the Philippines, she moved to Northern California where she resided in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Vallejo. She worked for many years at Phillips Electronics then relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 2002 where she was able to fulfill her dream of owning a business in healthcare. She opened the Rosedale Gardens Assisted Living Home. With great success, she and her business partner were able to expand their passion for helping others and opened the East Whitton Manor, another assisted living facility. She was an avid gardener, gaining her the nickname, the Plant Whisperer, as people would bring her their dying plants to be revived. From residents she lovingly cared for, to families she accommodated and comforted, to staff members she lead and managed, she picked up many meaningful friendships along the way. She befriended people from all walks of life and that is reflected in the love and support she has received.
She was a dedicated mother who exemplified how hard work and struggle creates strength and success. She was especially proud of her role as Yoya (grandma) and was number one fan and cheerleader to her grandchildren. She was sweet, quick witted, and funny without trying. She expected her family to always do their best and in turn gave and loved unconditionally.
Rose is survived by her lifelong partner Magdalena, daughter Mona and son-in-law Dave, grandsons Isaiah and Ayden of Phoenix, daughter Marian and grandson Ethan of New York.
She will be greatly missed by her sisters Fely of Berkely, Helen of Claremont, Cecille and brother-in-law Art of Burbank, and Nancy and brother-in-law Alex of Phoenix.
She will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
And, she will be continually loved by her loyal and devoted pets, Lady and Bentley.
My Journey's Just Begun
Don't think of me as gone away
My journey's just begun
Life holds so many facets
This earth is but one
Just think of me as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years
Think of how I must be wishing
That you could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really go away
And think of me as living
In the hearts of those I touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And I know I was loved so much
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