Rosa Marina Avila

Rosa Marina Avila

December 30, 1946 - November 14, 2023

It is with great sadness we inform you that Rosa Marina Avila; beloved wife of Jim Avila, mother of James Jr., Nicholas, and Ernesto, grandmother of Ernesto Jr., Anthony, and Nathan, passed away suddenly on November 14, 2023, in Naples, Italy.

Rosa, known affectionately as Rosy, came to San Francisco from El Salvador in 1969 to study nursing. It was there she met Jim at a welcome home party in his honor after proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. On December 4, 1971, Jim and Rosy were married and welcomed their first of three sons exactly one year later. They remained in San Francisco until 1984, when they moved to Antioch, California in order to give their children the best possible life. Wanting to devote her time to their young family, Rosy opened her home to start Rosy’s Daycare and for over thirty years she shared the same devotion and attention she gave her sons with the children in her care. Her love for being a caretaker never wavered and even after having multiple knee surgeries, Rosy found the strength to continue being the selfless mother figure she was born to be. Countless children were fortunate to come through our home and Rosy would light up when they visited as adults to express their love and appreciation. A true testament to Rosy’s love was on the occasions when she was asked to watch over the children of those she had once cared for. Rosy was a kind soul who helped those in need and never expected anything in return because this was who she was

— a true mother by nature.

On November 2, 2023, Jim and Rosy were finally able to go on the vacation they had been dreaming of for over fifty years and went to Italy where Jim had been stationed after the war. Rosy was a devout Catholic and Jim, devoted to her, made sure she was able to experience some of the most beautiful and sacred places in the world. They attended mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral, were fortunate enough to shake hands with Pope Francis and on a whim, Jim and Rosy renewed their wedding vows at the Sistine Chapel just shy of their 52nd wedding anniversary. There are no words to express Rosy’s joy and how blessed she felt sharing these moments with the man who had taken care of her just as much as she had him — her beloved husband, Jim.

Unfortunately, five days before they were scheduled to return home, Rosy contracted COVID which led to pneumonia. Rosy was a fighter and we were sure she would pull through as she had so many times before but unfortunately, Rosy – loving wife, beautiful mother, compassionate grandmother, and caring sister – passed away on November 14, 2023.

Rosa Marina Avila will always be remembered as a person who opened her heart, her home and her life with absolute love. In her actions, Rosy placed the joy of others before her own and no matter how difficult it may have been at times or how much pain she endured, Rosy loved to cook and was always happy to have company.

For those she affected, for those she loved and comforted, and for those Rosy welcomed unconditionally, we ask if you could assist in welcoming her to the home where she will rest eternally at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch, California. The family would like to thank all those who have given kind words and truly grateful to those who can help.

Thank You for All Your Love and Support,

- The Avila Family

Jim, James Jr., Nicholas, Ernesto, Ernesto Jr., Anthony, Nathan, Joanie and Maria.