Relatives and friends were invited to attend a visitation for Rosa at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 15. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny on Thursday, March 16, at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Rosa came to the United States as a little girl, and was raised by her loving aunt in the Bronx. She lived in Kearny before residing in Livingston for the past 46 years.

Rosa attended the J. Adams Cosmetology School in the Bronx, and worked as a beautician at many different salons throughout her career. Having lost her mother at a young age, Rosa grew up caring for her siblings, and became the beloved matriarch of her family. Rosa was a devoted caregiver, and most treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Rosa was the beloved wife of 58 years to Juan Villa. The two cherished one another, and were inseparable. Rosa was the loving mother of John Villa and his wife Caitlin, and adoring grandmother of Charlie and Jimmy. She was the dear sister of Migdalia, Carmen, Orlando, and the late Jose and Richard. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren.