Rosalinda de Mateo Soriano

Many things can be said about Rosalinda de Mateo Soriano. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Rosalinda was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Rosalinda was born on April 21, 1952 at North General Hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her parents are Angeles & Purita De Mateo. Rosalinda was raised in Manila, Philippines and moved to Salinas, California when she was 15 years old. When she was young, Rosalinda's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Rosalinda demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Rosalinda grew up with six younger siblings Angelito, Marilou, Alexander, Perla, Abraham and Victoria. Rosalinda was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. Rosalinda was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

During her high school years, Rosalinda had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Rosalinda had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Teachers and classmates knew Rosalinda as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

Rosalinda excelled in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. She earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Fresno State University in Fresno, California. The skill of being a good communicator helped Rosalinda immensely during her college days. Rosalinda earned her teaching credential at California State University, Monterey Bay. No matter what class it was, Rosalinda was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.

On October 1, 1977 Rosalinda married Perfecto Perido Soriano at Madonna Del Sasso Church in Salinas, California. Compassionate and devoted, Rosalinda worked hard to make her new family happy. By trusting her emotions, Rosalinda did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Rosalinda was truly a person of empathy.

Rosalinda’s quality of being a caring person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her child. Rosalinda shared these values with her only child, Jennifer. She related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. Rosalinda’s nieces and nephews always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them. She was famously known as the kissing Auntie.

Rosalinda experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was a Special Education Teacher with the Clark County School District. Rosalinda took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to cater to each student’s individual needs. She was one to take the initiative and her skills at working independently were highly valued. Rosalinda continually sought to learn what her students did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Rosalinda derived much satisfaction from sports. Rosalinda was a huge sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity. Top on her list was the San Francisco Giants.

Throughout her life, Rosalinda was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Rosalinda was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Rosalinda was a natural leader who straight forward, yet maintained good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. Rosalinda’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Rosalinda’s ability to bring valued principles along with her.

Rosalinda’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Madonna Del Sasso Church & St. Anthony of Padua. During that time, she was an Enthuastic Minister, Lector, and was on various committees. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

One of Rosalinda's favorite friends was Asia, a Siberian husky. They were best friends for twelve years.

When Rosalinda’s retirement finally came in 2015, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Rosalinda had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Rosalinda knew exactly what she wanted to do. Even in retirement, Rosalinda continued to stay in touch with her old friends and students. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Rosalinda passed away on February 4, 2016 at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family by her side. She is survived by her loving husband Perfecto, her daughter Jennifer (Jonathan), her parents Angeles & Purita and her siblings, Angelito, Marilou, Alexander, Perla, Abraham and Victoria. Services were held at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Rosalinda was laid to rest in the Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Throughout her life, Rosalinda was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Rosalinda leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Rosalinda de Mateo Soriano.