Rosemary Collantes del Monte, 69 has joined Jesus in heaven on September 8, 2021 in
Jacksonville, FL.
Survived by her husband of 49 years, Florante; children: Richard Allan, Rosette Aileen, and
Rochelle Anne; grandchildren: Ross, Sean, Roan, Echo, Julia, Rob, Ron, & Rose Chelle; In-laws:
Bryan, Jocelyn, & Horece; mother: Marta (94); and siblings: Rodolfo, Aurelia, Evelyn, Jeanaflor &
Janib.
Her grandma named her Maran-ay (a Manobo tribal princess).
To her relatives she’s known as Nene, Nang Rose, or Manang Nene.
Her coworkers call her Rosemary or Ms. Rose.
To most of us, she’s Mama Rose or Mama Nene.
Mama Rose was born on May 18, 1952 in Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur, Philippines to Marta
Bello Collantes and Cirilo Castro Cullantes. She is the second child & the eldest daughter in the
family with 6 children. Both her parents were teachers by profession. She grew up in a home
devoted to God and family.
All her siblings obtained college degrees except for Rosemary since she chose to start a family
at a young age of 20. She was swept off her feet by the love of her life, Engineer Florante G. del
Monte and got married on June 11, 1972. They are blessed with 3 children: Richard Allan,
Rosette Aileen D. Villanueva, and Rochelle Anne D. Cabonce.
A devoted wife, she graciously sacrificed and trusted God to keep her family together. She’s a
loving mother, slow to anger and loves unconditionally. Nothing matters more to her than the
welfare and best interests of her children. She may not have fulfilled her dreams and
aspirations in life herself; but she feels accomplished that her hopes and dreams are realized
through her children and grandchildren. She’s happy and content to be in the background and
never wished to be in the limelight, or to be the center of attention.
Once she became a grandmother, her grandchildren became her greatest obsession. She made
herself available for each and every one of her 8 grandchildren. Always providing unconditional
love, nurtured, supported, and helped raise them to become God-fearing children with good
Christian values. She reminds her children and grandchildren to always be respectful to others,
to do unto others what you want others do unto you, and to “Trust in the Lord with all your
heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall
direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6);
She touched the lives of many. Rosemary is hard-working, easy to work with and an excellent
team player. She’s a confidant, a mediator, a great friend. Though she may seem quiet and
reserved to those who doesn’t know her well, she’s such a lovely person inside and out whom
you want to be your best friend. She lends an ear when no one else would listen and always a
shoulder to cry on. She was never short on advice, comforting words, and love. She’s slow to
anger, no bitterness in her soul; does not hesitate to accept mistakes and to ask for forgiveness.
A devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Your wings were ready but our hearts were not…
You may be gone but your spirit lives within our hearts forever.
Oh how we miss your presence but we’re thankful that you are in a better place, a place to rest
with everlasting joy…
WE LOVE YOU… YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE FOREVER AND YOUR LOVING MEMORIES WILL DWELL
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS…
Until we meet again…
A visitation for Rosemary will be held Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, with a rosary service at 7:30 PM.
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