Rosario known as Nena to most, was born on May 21, 1948 to Pelagio and Concepcion Balmori Villegas in Manila, Philippines, and was the last of six children.
Rosario was nicknamed “Groovy” by her childhood friends and those close to her. In her early years she was a model, and in her later years was known for her creativity and eclectic style. After moving to the United States from the Philippines, her home for many years was in Fairbanks, Alaska with her husband Richard Vaughan and their four children. As she raised her children, she was also known to be a second Mom to her nephews, nieces, and many of her children’s close friends growing up, leaving lasting impressions on them. Her working years were spent at Co-Op downtown Fairbanks and Sam’s club where she made many lifelong friends that she had to say goodbye to when she retired and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Everyone she encountered in life felt her sincere heart, and genuine friendship. No one was ever a stranger to her.
As a creative she dabbled in many crafts, but her love was photography. Alaska’s scenery, nature, Ravens, her family and friends, and their family cat Syrus, were reoccurring subjects in her photographs. She was also an avid dancer, and you can count on her to be the first on the dance floor at an event or catch her dancing anytime the music moved her. Even throughout her battle with cancer, she continued to be a positive presence for many, kept her faith strong, and always thought of everyone else over herself.
Rosario was preceded in death by her parents Pelagio and Concepcion "Conchita" Balmori Villegas, and her siblings, Pelagio Villegas II "Doding", Antonio Balmori Villegas "Anthony", and Ignacio Balmori Villegas "Chito".
Her spirit is carried on by Richard Vaughan, her husband of over 41 years, her children Abigail "Candy" and spouse Ronald "Bo" Coffell, Robert "Bobby" Vaughan, Alexander "Alex" Vaughan, Elizabeth Erika "Liz" Vaughan, and her grandchildren Nicolas and Jared Coffell and Blazen Bice. She is also survived by her siblings Nieves Garchitorena, and Aris Balmori, along with her loving in-laws, extended family, and close friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial gathering on October 15, 2021 at 3pm at Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, Nevada.
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