Our amazing mother, Rosa Maria Zendejas Holguin was born on July 29, 1936 in Ontario, California. She had an older brother Joseph Zendejas and is survived by her sister Alicia Rodriquez and brother Richard Zendejas. After attending Grove School, Rosa Maria worked as a waitress and as a seasonal farm worker for grapes, oranges and avocados. She married our father, Heraclio B. Holguin in 1955. She is survived by her three children, Heraclio Mico (husband of Karen), Thomas John (fiance to Jessica Connors), and Michelle Anne ( wife of Deacon Chris Kennedy). Rosa had six grandchildren, Marilyn Marie Holguin (wife of Michael Triffett), Joseph Mico Holguin (husband of Kira), Gabriella LaVelle Bennett (wife of Devin), 1LT Maximillian Holguin, Christopher William Holguin and Christian Kennedy. Rosa also has three great grandchildren, Brae Marlis Holguin, Felix Mico Holguin, and Jane Antoinette Bennett.
Before her sunset on February 8, 2023 Rosa enjoyed a full life that included: several trips across the country, a drive from Seattle, Washington to Notre Dame for Mico’s graduation/wedding, a trip to West Point for Tom’s graduation/wedding and a trip to Colorado for Michelle’s wedding, as well as visiting Panama with her husband. Rosa was always one looking forward to the next adventure at any time, any place, and ideally with her family.
Memories of her children:
Heraclio Mico – waking up at 5 AM to freshly made tortillas, frijoles, papas, with an egg over easy from age 5 through adulthood. The tortillas were always enjoyable when we could tell my brother about our meal. She also taught me how to manage finances since for so many years she signed my dad’s checks and then managed the money.
Thomas John – Not afraid of the carnival “stomach” experience, “The Zipper” with me. Thoughtful…not only willing to lend her hand or resources, but also quite adept at remembering important dates, information and phone numbers without the aid of technology or computers. Several times saying, “Wait until your father gets home.”
Michelle Anne – When my mom came to visit, at night Christian would go to her and kiss her good night. She would say to him, “Sleep with the Angels”. She called us one night not so long ago and caught us in the car as we were coming back from Christian’s basketball game. After we talked for a while, Felix and Jane would be mentioned when their pictures came by in her picture frame, she said that she better let me go. I told her to sleep with the Angels. She laughed and hindsight says that she knew her time here on earth was short. I hope and trust that Our Lady protected her with her mantle in her final hour and the Angels led her to paradise.
As a first generation Mexican American, Rosa was heavily influenced by her parents (Augustin and Christina) who brought to the United States an incredible work ethic, Mexican traditions, and the foundation of excellence that inspired their children and grandchildren. During her 38 years of marriage, she established and nurtured incredible relationships with God, family, and friends. Extremely generous, Rosa made sure that your special days were always remembered and that you left her house with a full stomach. The lack of a formal education did not inhibit Rosa’s emphasis on education and she was the influence that inspired family members to graduate from University of Notre Dame, United States Military Academy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Loras College, Siena College, and University of Connecticut. As Christian Kennedy finishes his education at Our Lady of Victory, we believe that Rosa’s influence will continue through him to her great grandchildren as well.
Thank you, Rosa! As per the motto of Damien, we will meet again with Dad, in a heavenly reunion!
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Catherine of Alexandria Church – Our Lady of Guadalupe Ministry.
