Rosie C. Candelas Llamas

Many things can be said about Rosemary "Rosie" Llamas. 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. Rosie 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.

Rosie was born on April 7, 1958 at Exeter Hospital in Exeter, California. Her parents were Nicholas and Rita Candelas. Rosie was raised in Merced and Woodlake. When she was young, Rosie's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Rosie demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

As a young girl, Rosie was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Rosie could easily relate to other kids. In her spare time she liked to participate in folklore dance. However, to Rosie, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Rosie 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 graduated from Woodlake High School in 1976. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Rosie had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Rosie was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Rosie 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.

Rosie did well in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. She earned her Associates Degree in psycology. Her favorite course was psycology. Rosie's other interest included Hispanic culture, and the Mecha Club. The skill of being a good communicator helped Rosie immensely during her college days. She was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced her to think. No matter what class it was, Rosie was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.

Always considered a “good” friend, Rosie sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Rosie always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Rosie’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Rosie would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Rosie was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Linda, Mary, Virginia, and Armeita. She enjoyed having those whom she loved around her. Rosie became close to Jennie Gonzalez, Patty Llamas, Jackie Rojas, Tammy Peirra and Mary Hernandez. They cared for her so much that she referred to them as her angels. Her friends helped her to get to and from her treatments and were always by her side.

On November 26, 1983 Rosie married Ruben Llamas at the Woodlake Church of Woodlake, CA. Compassionate and devoted, Rosie worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Ruben came first in Rosie’s book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered Ruben’s feelings. By trusting her emotions, Rosie did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Rosie was truly a person of empathy.

Rosie’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Rosie shared these values with her 2 children, Stephen and Melisa. Rosie's love extended outside of her immediate family,too. She was a mother to many and enjoyed being there for her nieces, nephews and neighbors. Rosie related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Rosie experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a training manager. She was employed for Proteus for 33 years. Rosie always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Rosie took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Rosie was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Rosie continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Rosie took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were going to the Tachi Casino. Rosie enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Throughout her life, Rosie was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Rosie was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Rosie was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. Rosie’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Rosie’s ability to bring valued principles along with her. Throughout her later years, Rosie was an active member of the LEPS Girls Club with Cruzy, Jennie, Francis, Abbie, Barbara, Vergie and Esther.

Rosie’s faith was important to her. She was a member St. Francis Cabrini. During that time, she made a special effort to be there for and pray for all who came through her life of every religion. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

Rosie enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Rosie were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included trips to Lake Tahoe, especially in the winter.

Rosie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Rosie's favorite was MayC, the first dog she ever liked.

Rosie passed away on January 19, 2011 at at home in Woodlake. Rosie fought a brave battle against cancer. She didn't fight alone. Dr. Bryson and staff at UCSF, Mary Garcia NP, Gloria Gomez (Visalia Imaging) stood by her side. She is survived by her children,Stephen and Melisa and her loving husband Ruben. Visitation will be held Thursday January 28th from 2pm-5:30pm at Miller Memorial Chapel in Woodlake followed by a Rosary at St. Francis in Woodlake at 6pm. Mass will be held at 9am Friday. Rosie will be laid to rest at the Woodlake Cemetery.

Throughout her life, Rosie was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Rosie leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Rosemary Rosie Llamas.