Rosita Alcantara Zarate

A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Rosita Alcantara Zarate (Also known as Grandma Rose, Manang Rosie, and Tita Rosie), aged 78, peacefully passed away Friday, August 2, 2024 in Park Ridge, IL USA at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Jose Alcantara Sr. and Maria Caoile Alcantara, and the eldest of 8 children: Alberto (Bert), Dario, Danilo (Danny), Bonifacio (Bonie), Virginia (Virgie), Jose Jr. (Jess), and Ronaldo (Ronie).

Rosita is survived by her husband, Leopoldo Zarate; her devoted children, Katherine and Kris (and son-in-law, Philander Lacsamana), and her beloved grandchildren, Derek James, Cayden , and Keira. She is also remembered fondly by her grandpups, Nala, Miley, and Leila.

Rosita was born on June 3, 1946 in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines. She attended Urdaneta Community High School (Class of 1963). She went on to the University of the East, graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968, and became an English teacher at Saint Anthony Abbot Academy in Villasis, Pangasinan, Philippines. She arrived in Chicago, IL USA to begin her American life in 1986, as she continued to build her family alongside her husband, Leopoldo.

The peak of her career was at Lake Shore HealthCare and Rehabilitation Centre (now Aperion Care Lakeshore) until she retired at the age of 65. Since then, she has dedicated her time to taking care of her active grandchildren, Derek James (19), Cayden (14), and Keira (12), supporting their ambitious athletic endeavors. She has also been a supportive mother to her children’s careers. Rosita was always an enjoyable companion during annual family gatherings, and those amusing moments will always be remembered.

In her spare time, she was an active member of PASAC: Pilipino American Seniors Association of Chicago at Northeast (Levy) Senior Center, where she embraced her Filipino culture by performing and teaching Filipino folk dances and doing community work alongside her fellow Filipino members. Her talent for sewing costumes and classic apparel was a fond favorite among peers and family. She also enjoyed

watching her favorite Filipino shows. Rosita’s cheerful smile, silly antics, caring personality, and lovely presence will be greatly missed. The family would like to express their gratitude to the medical staff of Advocate Health Care, as well as other family members and friends, for their unwavering support and kindness.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Rosita on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 4-8-PM at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625. A funeral mass will then take place the next morning on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11AM at St. Padre Pio/St. Hilary Catholic Church, 5600 N Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL, 60659.