Lasting Memories

Rosina S Roybal
Nov. 22, 1929-Sept. 16, 2024
Pleasanton, United States

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our dearly loved Mother, and celebrate the gift of her life which she left gently and peacefully.

Rosina was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Adolfo and Petra Shoemaker. She graduated from Loretto Academy and was a smart, resilient, quietly determined and positive woman who met life's challenges with grace and accomplished so very much. She had so many dear friends. Her working career spanned decades and many roles. She never stopped learning and leaning into new experiences, moving forward with the times. To highlight just a few: right out of school Rosina travelled by limo to Washington D.C. with General and Mrs. Patrick J. Hurley to work there as his secretary. She was a knowledgeable legal secretary; a NM delegate to the 1984 Democratic National Convention held in San Francisco, CA and the Chair for the first New Mexico Governor's Women's Career Development Conference. Prior to retiring, she was Personnel Manager for New Mexico Military Affairs/National Guard.

Rosina was a Pleasanton resident for 35 years. When she moved here with her husband, John, from Santa Fe shortly after their retirement, she set about getting established in the community, as well as caring for John. She was happy meeting new friends, going to the gym, girls’ weekly brunch and movie dates, and travelled at every opportunity including two trips to Europe on pilgrimage. Rosina became an active member of The Catholic Community of Pleasanton, where she volunteered in the administrative office. She thrived here in Pleasanton being close to her daughter and son, and their families. She and John never missed a school program, recital, scouting event or Foothill Band performance. She always loved politics and spent hours supporting our local candidates. She always made time to stay in touch with friends and Loretto classmates, attending reunions in Santa Fe.

When our Dad, John, passed away, she participated in the Grief Ministry program led by Fr. Padrig Green at St. Augustine's. She became close friends with many of the participants, and was deeply moved to become one of the ministers/group leaders. She excelled in bringing kindness, empathy and hope to those new attendees, many of whom became her long-time friends.

Rosina is survived by daughters Rosemary Ortega (Joe), Patricia Gallegos (Gene Leyba), and son, John; dear sister Arlene Sisneros (Rosa Avila); grandchildren Joe Ortega (Michael Mallamo), Jerome Ortega (Marina), Philpatrick Gallegos, David Gallegos, John, Alexandra (Jordan), Suzette (Eddie), and Liberato (April). In addition, she was proud of her 8 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grands. She leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved. Rosina was predeceased by her husband John Roybal; her parents Petra and Adolfo Shoemaker; sisters Louisa Martinez and Toni Rodriguez, brother, Jimmy Shoemaker and son-in-law Phillip Gallegos (Patricia).