Rosa Gomez Ibarra

Rosa Benavides Gomez Ibarra, lovingly known as “Nena” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on November 3, 1948, and passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on December 6, 2025, at the age of 77. Rosa lived a life defined by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Rosa was very strong—a woman of grit, determination, and quiet courage. As a young woman, she dreamed of becoming a police detective, a reflection of her strong sense of justice, sharp instincts, and fearless spirit. Though life led her down another path, those qualities remained with her throughout her life.

A natural caregiver, Rosa dedicated many years to serving others as a home health nurse, providing comfort, dignity, and care to those in need. Caring for people was not simply her profession—it was part of who she was.

Family was the center of Rosa’s world. She was deeply proud of her father, Cecilio S. Gomez, and she often spoke with love and admiration of her “Daddy,” a World War II veteran, whose service, strength, and values shaped her own work ethic and resilience.

Rosa was preceded in death by her parents, Cecilio G. Gomez and Tomasa B. Gomez; her brothers, Gilbert B. Gomez and Antonio “Tony” Gomez; and her beloved son, Roger Garza.

She is survived by her sisters Ydaliea Castillo, Sandy Garza, Ramona B. Gomez, Luisa Amaya, Rebecca Casanas, and Tomasa B. Ibarra; her brothers Basilio Gomez and Carlos Benavides; her daughters Dora Leinweber and Irene Perez; her son Juan Ibarra; and her cherished grandchildren Ricardo, Cecilia, William, Robert, Juan, Essance, Alaina, Nicholas, Rodolfo, Julian, Jeremiah, Elmira, and Rosita; and her great-grandchildren Ricardo, Israel, Sarah, Arianna, William, Vanellope, William, Gabriella, Arya, Elizabeth, Emily, Airam, Jeremiah, Jaslyn, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rosa found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved horses, gardening, and planting fruit trees and vegetables that she tended with care. She enjoyed old westerns, mobster movies, and true crime shows, and was a devoted fan of Vicente Fernández, Johnny Cash, Burt Reynolds, and Paquita la del Barrio. Rosa was of Catholic faith and read her Bible regularly. She also had a fondness for crime novels, enjoying stories that kept her mind engaged and curious.

Known as a wonderful cook, Rosa expressed her love through food—meals shared, recipes passed down, and family gathered around the table. Strawberry cake, picking pecans, sipping piña colada wine coolers, and caring for her various beloved parakeets were among her favorite joys.

Above all else, Rosa cherished time spent with her family. Every laugh, every visit, and every moment shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her. Her cooking was her love language, and her presence was her gift.

Rosa lived a life full of stories, strength, and deep devotion. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the roots she planted—both in the ground and in the hearts of those she loved—and the example she set through a life well lived.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A funeral service will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, located at 2525 Palo Alto Rd, San Antonio, TX 78211. The service will take place on December 13, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.