Rosa Gonzales Rivera

Rosa was born on October 22, 1928 in Houston, Texas, a first generation Houstonian. Rosa worked many years as a hardworking and dedicated housekeeper at the Heights Hospital in Houston. Upon her retirement she would continue to visit the staff and patients often. Rosa loved dogs and cats and rescued many. She loved to garden, she enjoyed cactus, roses and lilly's. She was an excellent cook and cooked often for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Throughout her life, Rosa attended mass, primarily at St. Joseph's church in Houston. She loved her family and spoiled her grandchildren.

After becoming ill, Rosa moved to Legend Oaks Nursing Facility in Houston. Her tender heart and love for others continued as she would stay busy helping the staff with the other residents as long as she could. She made many friends there and was loved by all.

Rosa is survived by her children Victor Donez, Christine Donez Brooks, Emilia Rivera Casillas and Larry Gonzales Rivera, all of Houston, Texas; Grandchildren: Eufemia Rosa Mendez and husband Jesus Mendez, Victor Jr. Donez, Jason Donez and Monique Donez Young, Keisha Pierce and husband Jared, Juan Vargas and wife Rosie, Christopher Vargas , Rosanna Lopez and husband Rigo, Veronica Moya and husband Ronny, and great grandchildren, Chanel Fronda, Isaiah Fronda, Isaac Fronda, Lisa Mendez, Brianna Mendez, Jasmine Victoria Donez, Dominic Nelisen, Haley Young, Jayden Young, Aiden Pierce, Ben Pierce, Brooke Pierce, Giovanni Vargas, Brandon Vargas, Justin Vargas, Iris Vargas, Christopher Vargas Jr. , Mia Vargas, Jonathan Vargas, Ariana Lopez, Isaiah Anthony Lopez and Elias Moya, great great granddaughter Sophia Medrano, Her Sisters, Victoria Gonzales Aguilar, Josephine Gonzales, brother Robert Gonzales and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Francisco A. Gonzales and Emilia E. Gonzales, siblings, Mary Gonzales Rodriguez, Angelina Gonzales Recio, Joe Gonzales, Paul Gonzales, Augustine Gonzales and her son, David Gonzales Rivera.

The family would like to thank all of Rosas caretakers and the administrators at Legend Oaks, who so lovingly cared for her the past 6 years. Their kindness and dedication is tremendously appreciated.

Rosa will be remembered as a hard worker who never complained, content with little and loved in big ways. She shared and gave of herself until she couldn't. Though she was little, she was fierce. There aren't many like you. You are loved and missed greatly!

Forest Lawndale Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. A rosary service will be held on January 4 at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 10 am on January 5, the Committal service at 11am, and a reception to follow.