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Rosemary (Rosie) Castañeda, a lifelong resident of Miami, Arizona, passed away on Sept. 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Rosie was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Nov. 1, 1943, to Moses and Dolores Valdez. Rosie moved to Miami and was raised by her parents Dolores and Lionel Blair.
Rosie was a cheerleading captain at Miami High School, and she met the love of her life Abie Castañeda, a football star from Globe, in the 8th grade. Their love story continued after graduation when they married on Aug. 5, 1961. Together they welcomed four children into the world and their family was completed with the adoption of their fifth child.
Rosie is preceded in death by husband Abie, parents Dolores and Lionel Blair, father Moses Valdez, brother Tommy Blair and brother-in-law Steven Martinez. Rosie is survived by her daughters Cyndi Castañeda (fiancé Dennis), Denise (Jeffrey) Lovato and Christine (Ruben) Duarte; sons A.J. Castañeda Jr. (Claudine), and Jody (Deanna) Castañeda; 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; and her siblings Stephen, Norma, Cynthia, Rene, Susan and Marco.
Rosie dedicated her entire life to community service, serving the citizens of Miami and the greater Cobre Valley Region for all the right reasons. She was very passionate, and truly cared for and wanted nothing more than to help it thrive as it did in her youth. Rosie assembled an impressive list of life achievements that includes varsity cheer captain, Girl Scout leader, Little League team mother and President of the Junior Women’s Club in which she won a national award for her service in the Greater Cobre Valley Community. Rosie was the President of the School Board, Mayor/Council Member for Miami Town Council, MHS Booster Club, Rotary Club, founding member of Genesis making a tremendous difference in the community, catechism teacher, Bullion Plaza Gymnasium restoration project. Rosie retired as manager of Bank of the West.
Rosie’s passion was her family and friends. She loved gatherings, holidays and celebrations of all special occasions. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children started school. Anyone entering her home became family including all her children’s friends. The Castañeda home was truly the gathering place for kids at the corner of Live Oak and Reppy; if you were there you know the meaning. Rosie attended all of her kids’ games, concerts and events without fail. She taught life lessons of working hard, being respectful, loyalty, taking the high road, loving and being accountable. Her joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she will miss each of you as you will her.
Rosie and Abie, each of you always professed your love to be eternal, it was written at the close of cards and letters and professed to one another daily for years. Mom, you are home now. Your pain and suffering is complete. Fulfill your dreams and continue your love story with Dad, enjoy eternity in the Kingdom of God. We know we will see you both someday. Your loving family.
Assisting the family: Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
