Rosa Maria Gonzalez Alicea was called home by her celestial father on Monday, May 13, 2013 after a six month battle with cancer.

Rosa, the first of nine children, was born in the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico on January 26, 1935 to Pedro Alicea Viana and Lorenza Aponte De Jesus.  She bravely pioneered to Boston, Ma accompanied by her eldest daughter (then aged 12yrs old) on November 11, 1969 with the vision of building a better future for herself and her six children. Within thirty days of her arrival to Boston, Rosa through her tenacious spirit and perseverance was able to send for her remaining five children to come to Boston.

Rosa worked numerous jobs to support, sustain, educate and raise her six children. She always encouraged them to pursue an education, be good citizens, love family and to love and fear God. She taught her children that ALL men were created equal and ALL are beautiful and special in God’s sight. She had no racial barriers. She constantly said, “You are not better than anyone and no one is better than you.” She was a great humanitarian, an exceptionally great human being; the salt of the earth.  She cared for the needy, the homeless, the orphans, the children and the sickly- her heart went out for those that were hurting. But, she didn’t just say, “I feel bad, I feel sorry for them”. Rosa always put her feelings into action by sharing what little she had with those in need; in her home she sheltered over a dozen families who did not have a home or who were wreathing one of life’s storms… she fed the hungry, clothed those that were naked, cold and visited the incarcerated and infirmed- for decades she was a loyal donor to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Rosa adored her family; in her eyes they were her greatest treasure. Her delight was to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren family and friends. She would say “the more, the merrier.” She had a contagious laugh, a witty personality and an –unselfish, giving heart- she would do anything for anyone…

Rosa was a devoted Christian; she was passionate about music, old Mexican movies and loved to sing. She also loved knitting, crochets and excitedly looked forward to knitting a “baby blanket” for every new member of the family. Her blankets will be cherished forever….

Rosa leaves behind six children, seventeen grandchildren, twenty great- grandchildren, two daughter in-laws, three son in-laws, eight siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews along with countless friends and loved ones. She also leaves behind a great void which we will try to fill with beautiful, fond memories of her… we will miss YOU dearly.

Services will be held at Dolan & Chapman Funeral Home, 5 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA

Wake :  Sunday, May 19, 2013  3:00pm – 7:00pm

Funeral Service:   Monday, May 20, 2013 10:00am – 12:00pm (With a one hour viewing before the funeral service – 9:00am)