Rosa Maria Fernandez

Rosa Maria Fernandez went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 28, 2025, at her residence in Kenner, Louisiana. She was born in Havana, Cuba to Jose Gregorio Toro (father) and Maria de las Mercedes Forest (mother) on September 13, 1943. Rosa was the beloved sister to her brothers, Jose Antonio Toro and Andres Toro. While in Cuba, she worked with lawyers at the Instituto Nacional de Reforma Agraria. At the age of 22, she married her one and only true love Rogelio Fernandez Sola on October 2, 1965. They were married for 56 years, until the time of Rogelio’s passing on October 15, 2021. On September 13, 1966, the day of her birthday, Rosa arrived in the United States of America with her husband, mother, and newly born daughter, Janaise Barbara de la Caridad Fernandez (born September 8, 1966), escaping the oppressive regime of Cuba and commencing a new chapter of her life.

Rosa and her family resided in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1966, and then settled in Kenner, Louisiana in 1972. Throughout her life, she worked in a textile industry, McKenzie’s, Fashion Tailors of Metairie, and the New Orleans Airport. She later gave birth to her sons, Rogelio Fernandez, Jr. (born January 6, 1968) and Jose Luis Fernandez (born March 13, 1975), in New Orleans. Rosa also took English classes, learning the language despite Spanish being her primary one. On September 20, 1978, Rosa became a United States citizen, along with her husband and daughter. She graduated with a degree as a medical assistant and had a passion to help people.

In 1973, she began attending Williams Blvd. Baptist Mission, now known as Emmanuel Spanish Baptist Church (Pastors: David Lema, Sr., Erick Gonzalez, and Nelson Perez), where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was Baptized on October 20, 1974. There she served the Lord faithfully for 45 years as a Sunday school teacher and choir member, teaching the Word of God and leading others to Christ. Her dedication to her church and love for God was unwavering. Without a doubt, Rosa is now residing in eternity with the King of Kings in her heavenly home.

Rosa’s love for her family, her church, and everyone she met was endless. She saw no wrong in anyone. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and thrived on God’s Word, always eager to share the message of Jesus Christ with anyone she met. Rosa was passionate about natural medicine, healthy foods, planting vegetable gardens, and fruit trees. She had a farm in her backyard with chickens, roosters, a turkey, goats, ducks, geese, doves, guinea pigs, and even a rat named Lucky. She also had many beloved dogs and cats, whom she adored. Rosa found joy in celebrating life and occasionally indulging in sweet treats such as cake, ice cream, and Cuban flan. As a lover of nature, she especially enjoyed beach trips.

Rosa’s youngest son, Jose Luis Fernandez, passed on November 24, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy, and daughter, Sarah Sophia Fernandez.

Rosa is survived by her daughter Janaise Valdez (Jose); son Rogelio Fernandez, Jr. (Traci); stepdaughter Miosotis Cepero; nieces: Elisa Gautreaux and Lina Toro; grandchildren: Kristie Chastant, Amy and Natalie Valdez, Zachary and Zoe Fernandez, Sarah Fernandez; great grandchildren: Skylar, Rowan, Emry, Bella, Aubree, Noah, and twins Levi and Leia; and second cousins: Lourdes, Alberto, and Carolyn Planas.

Her favorite Bible verse was John 11:40: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the Glory of God?”

Rosa will be tremendously missed by all of us and her examples of her love of God and family will live on forever in our hearts. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and compassion. Her desire is that all would accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, and that they may too live eternally in Heaven with her.

We love you, Rosa, and we look forward to seeing you again one day in Heaven.