Rosalinda Carrillo

Rosalinda (Rosie) Lopez Carrillo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully on August 12 at the age of 75 years. Born on February 18, 1949, at Reedley Hospital, then located at the corner of Reed and Dinuba Avenue, Rosie was the daughter of Stella Z. Lopez and Raul B. Lopez.

Rosie spent the first nine years of her childhood in Parlier, growing up in the colonia, where she often recounted loving memories with her paternal grandmother and cousins. At the age of nine, in 1958, Rosie and her family moved to Reedley to live on a 30-acre farm, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life where she helped her family work on the farm in the summer, and attended Riverview Elementary during the school year.

Rosie graduated from Reedley High School and Reedley College, and it was during this period that she met Raymond, who was introduced to her by her sister Olga. Rosie and Raymond were married on October 24, 1970, at St. Anthony’s Church, beginning a lifelong journey together.

In 1972, Rosie and Raymond welcomed their first child, a daughter, Monica Rose. Their family grew in 1979 with the birth of their son, Raymond Joseph, lovingly known as Joey. Rosie’s devotion to her family was evident through every aspect of her life. Her family was always made top priority, ensuring a clean, warm home with a home-cooked meal on the table, never missing her children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Rosie was deeply committed to helping the underserved in her community. She consistently provided and delivered food and clothing to families in need throughout her life, and also volunteered in special needs classes at a local elementary school while raising her family, reflecting her compassionate nature and dedication to making a difference.

Rosie’s professional journey included years of service at Reedley Pharmacy. As she pursued her higher education, she balanced working for a local podiatrist and optometrist with her continuing commitment to caring for her family. Her unwavering dedication and perseverance ultimately led her back to school, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 1989, and then a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1991 from California State University, Fresno.

Rosie was a rehabilitation counselor at Reedley College (then known as Kings River Community College (KRCC)) and was always so proud to see her students succeed. After her role as Rehabilitation Counselor, Rosie was instrumental in creating the Medical Interpreter’s Certification program at Reedley College, where she also served as lead instructor. Though she retired, her passion for helping others drew her back into the workforce at the Marjoree Mason Center until her final retirement when the local shelter closed.

Rosie lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis most of her adult life, a condition that became increasingly debilitating over time. Despite her pain, she never let it define her, nor did she ever complain. Her deep love and devotion to her family were most evident during her husband Raymond’s illness, when she tirelessly cared for him until his passing. She found immense joy in her grandchildren, cooking for them, and spending as much time with them as possible. She spent all her free time in her yard, watering her plants and sprucing up her sunroom. She had a green thumb like no other.

Rosie is survived by her daughter, Monica Carrillo, and son-in-law, Steve Mitchell; her son, Joseph Carrillo; her treasured grandchildren, Benjamin and Joaquin Mitchell, and Alanah Carrillo, and her sister, Caroline Lopez Haro. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Raul and Stella Lopez; her sisters, Olga Salazar and Alice Gonzalez; and her beloved husband, Raymond Carrillo.

Rosie’s legacy of strength, resilience, and dedication to her family and community will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.