Rosa M. Cueva

Rosa Maria Cueva "Rosina" was born on March 29, 1945 in Baja California, Tijuana Mexico. Rosa was the younger of two children born to Tirzo and Carmel Rodriguez. As a child she was given the nickname of “Canasta” meaning basket. She was known for always walking around with a basket around her arm and cutting the flowers from her grandmother’s and aunt’s garden. Her father called her “mi canastita” (my little basket). Rosa and her sister Teresa eventually moved with their grandmother. She loved playing around with all her cousins and kids from the neighborhood. She was very social and loved to sing and dance. During her teenage years, she was very good friends with a group of young kids that were starting a band named “Los Moonlights”. They eventually became famous in Mexico and composed a song named Rosa Maria. Even though it was always believed the song was named after her, Rosa would always deny it and say it was just coincidence.

At the age of 20, she married Joaquin M Cueva Sr. lived in Coronado , California for the first few years of their marriage then they moved into a brand new home in San Diego, California and had two sons, Joaquin Jr, and Ralph. 11 years later they divorced, Rosa’s family grew with the birth of her first grand daughter Valerie and was blessed with an additional four grand children, Noel, Sophie, Abraham and Henry. From her son Joaquin Jr. and his wife Alicia there daughters are Valerie and Sophie . Ralph & Raquel Cueva sons are Noel, Abraham and Henry.

Rosa was very independent in her teenage years she went to cosmetology school and graduated from Instituto De Belleza Paris Nachos. When Rosa was young every year she would model bridal dresses at Hotel La Sierra . Then later on she started working for the company Food Maker, doing food prep. After many years with the company, she left and became a baker making cheesecakes at Sam's Famous Cheesecakes. In her later years, she went back to her childhood passion…flowers. She became a florist and worked with Sabina for 6 years at Sea of Flowers. Even after she retired, Rosa would still work at the florist on Valentine’s and Mother’s Day. She loved flowers.

Rosa also loved scary movies, from Elvira in the 80’s to every recent scary movie. She wouldn’t want to miss any scary movie. Her past times included going to the movies on a weekly basis with her cousins Amelia and David, and her friend Jerry.

In her later years, when her health declined Rosa would never show how much pain she would have. No matter how she was feeling, she was always up and around and making everyone feel welcomed. Even though she may not have been rich, she was rich with the love she gave everyone, especially through her food. The most expensive spice she would add to every meal she would make for her friends and family was “love”.

Rosa was very dedicated to her faith as a Christian in god and attended Capilla De Alabanza . It would be rare if she would miss a church service. The only book she would read was the Bible and would do it on a daily basis. She would always comment on how she was ready to be with her creator whenever he decides it was time for her to join him.

Rosa is survived her by sisters Teresa and Martha, her two sons Joaquin and Ralph, 5 grandchildren , and many cousins, nephews and nieces, and friends. She will be greatly missed by everyone who loved her.She will always be remembered for her up beat personality.

March 29, 1945 - September 9, 2016

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.