Rosita Laura Dietrich

Born on October 8, 1934, in Oakland California to Filipino immigrant parents Estanislaoa and Felicia Canonizado, Rosita grew up in the strict home of her Grandmother Roberta. It was in this home that she was taught her strong Catholic values, a strong work ethic and internal strength. There were many stories of the hub-bub that surrounded this Filipino household which included card parties and lots of Filipino cooking and eating.

She met (and married) her only love, an Army soldier named Donald R Dietrich at the Oakland Army Base while she was working for the MPs. Don worked at an adjacent building and whistled at her. Realizing she was a great catch, he asked her for a date. He arrived at her home and asked her Father if “Rosilita” was home. Despite getting her name wrong and making a horrible first impression, Don and Estanislaoa (Stanley) became great friends. Don’s family also was endeared and became part of the family fold, where love and laughter and family abounded.

The family began to grow and Donna was born in San Francisco, then Grace in Seattle. A move to Germany followed where the family enjoyed their European travels and they returned to the US where Roberta joined the family in Washington DC. Her children were her life and joy.

Upon returning from Wurzburg Germany, Don was transferred to the Walter Reed Institute of Research in Washington DC and eventually to the Walter Reed Farm, just outside of Olney Maryland. There Rosita managed the household and entertained all the Military visitors to the farm. Her hospitality was always a great treat for those who visited and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and something to eat awaiting before they returned to DC. Many, many wonderful and loving family memories were made on that farm. There was always room in the home or at the dining table for family and friends. Often, holiday dinners included a soldier or two who was unable to travel home to their own families. After Don retired from the Military the family moved to Ashton and then to the new community in Lanham/Seabrook. One of the first residents in the neighborhood, Rosita and Don greeted their new neighbors as they moved in with a pot of coffee and a tray of snacks.

Rosita returned to the workforce and joined the Civil Defense at a secret underground facility. Later after moving from the farm she joined Walter Reed Institute of Research (WRAIR) first with the Vetenarians and then as the Secretary to the Director of WRAIR. There she worked for 11 Directors, all Military men. Throughout her career, she was presented with multiple awards and public recognitions. She was known as a workhorse with a tremendous work ethic and stamina. Her last Director did not want to be known as the reason that Rosita left the workforce.

Her Life was always about God, Country, Family and Charity. She did all with commitment and honor. There was always diplomacy and grace in which she treated all she cared for and about. She was the “Yes” Girl. Seldom was there a task that she would not accept or complete. She did everything with joy and would say it was her honor to do so.

Rosita was always ready, willing and able to volunteer and imbued it into her family.

She served within several organizations in worker and leadership roles. While living on the farm she volunteered to as a medical test subject. During that same time period it was her honor to serve as President of the NCO Wives club at Walter Reed. She served as Room Mother in her children’s classrooms. They were so happy when she attended their field trips and she would often bring extra lunches and treats for children who may have forgotten their food. She showed her love of country while serving as American Legion Auxiliary 136 President (7 terms), Vice President, Secretary, and Multiple Committee Chairmanships. She took on the challenge of Southern Maryland District President; She also served on various committees as Chairwoman, Vice Chair and committee worker within the Department of Maryland American Legion Auxiliary. What an honor when she was selected by the National President of the American Legion Auxiliary to serve as her Personal Page at the National Convention. She was a flagbearer too many times to count for her unit for the state and nationally. She attended and worked the special events of the Patriotic Organization, helping and promoting the programs which benefited the veterans and their families.

She loved music and proudly lifted her voice to sing in God’s glory. In 1968 she joined the choir at St Matthias Catholic Church. She lent her speaking voice to Lector, reading God’s Word at the mass. She even entered into the Religious Education classroom to help young Catholics learn about the Lord that she loved so much. So proud of her church, she often told parishioners at Ascension in Bowie that she really belonged to St Matthias and she was only attending the mass at Ascension with her daughter. Rosita also joined the Ascension Angel Friend Ministry and provided comfort to women in crises pregnancies.

Rosita is Survived by her those she loved so much and who in return loved her just as much.

They are:

Daughters: Donna Dietrich, Grace Ochranek (Joseph Richard), Roberta Caggiano (Marshall)

Grandchildren: Illiah Manger, Justina Schiccatano (Rich), Marie Sill (Seth), Jeanetta Carter (Derek), Richard Ochranek (Sarah), Kristine Ochranek. Gabrielle Caggiano

Great Grandchildren: Colette Manager, Carmella Wayson, Quinn Schiccatano, Vivienne Manger, Jettie Carter, Nova Carter

Sister: Evangeline Canonizado Buell in Oakland, California

Nieces and Nephews in California: Danni, Nikki, and Stacey Vilas; David, Don and Teresa Dietrich