Ligia M. (Fernandez) Rosales

Ligia Rosales died peacefully in her sleep the morning of May 3rd, 2017, beside her loving husband of nearly 64 years, Armando Rosales, in Santa Rosa. She was born March 16, 1923, in Panama, Republic of Panama, to Manuel and Dolores Fernandez. Her brothers and sisters predeceased her: Jose Edilberto, Regina, Rita and Manuel Guillermo.

She is survived by her husband; her five children, Armando Rosales, Jr., Julio Rosales, Victor Rosales, Jaime Rosales and Ligia Mathews (Alexander); her three grandchildren, Rebecca, Christina, and Mitchell; and her great-grandchild, Elijah. 

In Panama, Ligia graduated from Saint Francis Studios in the Canal Zone, where she became proficient in English and was able to begin a successful career at Warner Brothers. 

She decided to immigrate to the United States in search of a new exciting life, and traveled to San Francisco, California, by boat. She soon married Armando and started her family. She was an active parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Parish, where she volunteered at Saint Elizabeth School, served as a catechist and was actively involved in numerous parish organizations. She went back to work as an administrative assistant and as a translator for non-profit organizations after her children were older.

In 1984, she moved to Sonoma, where she became an active parishioner of St. Francis Solano Parish. Some of her roles were a catechist, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Marion Guild, St. Vincent de Paul, the Legion of Mary, and the Friends of Mary. She regularly provided translation services for F.I.S.H. and often helped at La Luz.

Ligia had a great passion for her faith and her family, and she had a great love of people. She fought fiercely to ensure that the needs of her children were met. She also went on numerous pilgrimages, including one to Medjugorje that moved her deeply. 

Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 3rd St. West, Sonoma, CA, at 11:00 a.m. and/or the Rosary on May 10, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 West Napa St.,

Sonoma, CA (viewing from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 3rd St. West, Sonoma, CA 95476; Project St. Francis, c/o St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 3rd St. West, Sonoma, CA 95476 or to, F.I.S.H., Friends in Sonoma Helping, PO Box 507, Sonoma, CA 95476.

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