Rosita Serrano Lee

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rosita Serrano Lee, who left us on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at the age of 82. Loved dearly by her family and friends, Rosita was a devoted mom, grandmother, and auntie. Rosita loved gardening, especially propagating roses, and was fierce in her love for her family and her Catholic faith.

Born and raised in Santa Ana, Cagayan, Philippines, and formerly of Honolulu, Hawaii, Rosita was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, David C. Lee; her parents Antonio Serrano and Victorina Repuyani; and brothers Marino Serrano, Crisostomo Serrano, and Bienvenido Serrano. Rosita is survived by her only daughter, Eloise Rose Serrano Lee Harris, her loving grandson, Ronin David Serrano Harris, and her son-in-law, Colin William Harris.

Rosita is known for her infectious smile, her spirit of generosity, and her ability to listen with an open heart. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, Rosita's presence was a source of comfort and strength.

Rosita was the youngest and only daughter in a family of six. In addition to her three older brothers, she also had dozens of stepsiblings.

Rosita graduated high school with honors, and attended the University of Manila. After completing her degree in elementary education, Rosita returned to Santa Ana to teach and serve the community she was raised in and to be closer to her family. For over a decade, she was a master teacher at St. Anthony’s College, a Catholic private school.

On the cusp of her postulancy and the start of her training to become a nun, she was introduced to David, a first-generation Korean American from Kekaha, Hawaii. For over a year, they were pen pals, exchanging letters, postcards, and intentions.

In 1977, Rosita and David married in Manila. A year later, they moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where their only child, Eloise, was born. Settling in Makiki, a working-class neighborhood bordering Waikiki, Rosita juggled multiple jobs until she was hired as a front desk receptionist at the Waikiki Prince Hotel. She was later promoted to front desk manager, a role she held for nearly two decades until her retirement in 2008.

Throughout her tenure at the Waikiki Prince, Rosita was adored by hotel guests and staff. Rosita’s sincerity and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression with everyone who knew her.

Even with her own family and daughter to raise in Hawaii, Rosita felt a deep responsibility to support her parents and brothers in the Philippines. She transcended distance through consistent remittances to her father, mother, and their caregivers. Unbeknownst to many of her nieces and nephews, Rosita was their benefactor from the time they were children through adulthood, remitting funds to cover tuition costs, medical bills, property taxes and other critical expenses.

With a profound calling to return to her hometown, Rosita moved back to San Antonio, Santa Ana in 2009. For three years, she reconnected with loved ones and rebuilt her family home on the residential lot she inherited from her parents. Now undergoing renovations, Rosita’s San Antonio home is a physical reminder of her enduring generosity and legacy.

In 2013, Rosita joined her daughter Eloise upon her return to Honolulu. After 18 years of living apart, they were permanently reunited. By this point, Rosita was well traveled, and explored numerous coastal cities in the U.S., including New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

At the request of her daughter, Rosita moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2018. Together with her son-in-law Colin, grandson Ronin, and Eloise, Rosita lived in Auburn, Washington, a city thirty minutes south of Seattle. Within six months of her move, Rosita transformed the front and backyard of their home with bushes of red roses that she propagated from a single plant she received from her neighbor. She did this in between radiation treatments and was a cancer survivor.

On sunny days, she basked in the warmth of the morning sun, walked the trails with her daughter at the neighborhood park behind their home, and sat outside in the back porch, watching Ronin play.

Rosita relished surprise video calls from her granddaughters in Greece and the Philippines. She kept in touch with loved ones spread across the globe – from Las Vegas to Hong Kong. She spent her afternoons praying the rosary and arranged freshly cut roses from her garden to include in her bedside altar.

At night, she had visions of her parents, her brothers, and others who passed before her. Quietly, she expressed gratitude for all her experiences in life. She was at peace.

Rosita’s legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but continually loved and never forgotten.