Rosa Victoria Ortiz

Rosa Victoria (Colón) Ortiz

November 18, 1933 - December 1, 2024

Rosa Victoria Ortiz (affectionately called “Mamita”) fell asleep on December 1, 2024. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on November 18, 1933, Rosa was a pillar of strength and an example of unwavering and unconditional love. She was known for her love of music and infectious laugh. Ever the life of the party, Rosa was always ready to sing and dance. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, and was happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren, reminding us that “quality time was better than quantity time.”

Rosa is survived by her daughter, Rosa Zalesak and husband Paul Zalesak, and their daughter, Dorea Gardner and husband Alex Gardner, and their two daughters, Mila Rose and Leana Jamie; her son Orlando Ortiz-Colón; her daughter, Thelma Robaina and her husband Joe Robaina, and their two sons, Joey and Juan Carlos; her sister, Maria Esther Martinez and husband Miguel Martinez, and their daughter, Wanda Martinez; and her brother, Hector Colon. She will be missed by her 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Rosa was predeceased by her husband of more than 60 years, William Ortiz-Villanueva, and her sons, Edwin William Ortiz and William Ortiz, Jr. She was also predeceased by her father, Matías Colón and mother, Petra Ortiz-Colón; her sisters, Irma Colón and Marina Marín.

Among Rosa’s greatest accomplishments was being a super-mom as she raised five children in New York City. She worked selling jewelry at the Diamond District in New York, and served tirelessly many years in the healthcare industry. 

Rosa called herself ‘an incurable romantic,’ and expressed herself in writing and singing ballads from an early age, from her school in Puerto Rico, to several venues in New York and Albuquerque. She sang with Mariachis at her 85th birthday celebration, and in spite of her dwindling health, her passion would not falter as she sang at her 90th birthday party.

Rosa’s legacy is one of unyielding kindness and fierce love. We will remember our badass Mamita, who cared for others more than she did for herself. She fell asleep knowing that one day, with the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she will rise with a new body, never to see death again. We look forward to that day, when we will see each other again, face-to-face, and rejoice forevermore.

Rosa will be honored in a celebration-of-life service at 1 pm on Monday, December 9 at the Trujillo Family Funeral Home, located at 110 Alvarado Dr SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life are welcomed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Jude’s Children Hospital, an organization Mamita felt strongly about.