Rosita Shields Obituary (1974

Rosita SHIELDS There is a new angel in Heaven. Rosita Shields passed away on Dec. 04, at the age of 40, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. In recent weeks she was surrounded by friends, especially the Latino community, who showered her with love. Shortly before her death, she awoke and said she had been up high looking down on all the people she knew and was excited about her foretaste of Heaven. Rosita came to the U.S. from an orphanage in Colombia at the age of 12. She attended St. Louise School and Eastside Catholic High School in Bellevue. Rosita had some physical limitations from Cerebral Palsy, but overcame them with her intelligence and determination. She was dedicated to being independent and worked at REI and for the City of Seattle. Rosita encountered many hardships in her life, but she rose above them with perseverance and grit. Rosita had a great sense of humor and a dry wit. She was also very caring and loving, especially to children. Many friends considered her a part of their family. Rosita leaves behind many wonderful friends who ministered to her so beautifully in her final days. Her first and longest advocate is Larry Shields of Alabama who met her at the orphanage in Colombia. Rosita considered him to be her grandfather; Sandra Di Panfilo who was her 'sister' at the orphanage and traveled here from Italy to be with Rosita in her final days; Pete & Nancy Wright whom she considered Madrina and Tio Pete (Godmother and Godfather), and Dan & Pat Brotherton, whom she considered to be her 'Mom and Dad'. A celebration of Rosita in our lives will be held on December 20, 10:00AM at St. Louise Catholic Church, Bellevue WA . She has requested no flowers. Donations may be made to Virginia Mason Hospital, 925 Seneca, Seattle WA 98101; and Providence Mt. St. Vincent, 4831 35th SW, Seattle WA 98126. Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com To send a flower arrangement in memory of Rosita Shields, please click here to visit our sympathy store.