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Rosalie Ann Ortega
May 2, 1942 – May 13, 2026
84 years old
With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Rosalie Ann Ortega, a beloved wife, mother,
stepmother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Rosalie was born on May 2, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Rose and Edward Buksa. She was the third of six children. In
1954, the Buksa family relocated to San Diego, California, where Rosalie built a life centered on family, friendship, and
faith.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Carlos Ortega, Sr., her son, Thomas Babauta, Jr. (Raquel), stepsons Carlos
Ortega, Jr. and Marcos Ortega (Lisa), and her dearly loved daughter-in-law Esther Yorba. Rosalie also leaves behind nine
grandchildren: Amber, Brandie, Tarayn, Brandon, Jesse, Keilana, Alexx, Jenny, and Nando, Jr., nine great-grandchildren,
several nieces and nephews, and her siblings: Geraldine “Geri” Burnett, Kenneth “Kenny” Buksa, James “Jimmy” Buksa,
and Gloria Gray. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edziu Buksa, and her beloved sons, Michael and
Robert “Bobby” Babauta.
Rosalie and Carlos shared enduring love and companionship throughout their marriage. Together they built a life filled
with love, laughter, faith, and adventure. One of her favorite memories was a road trip to Canada and British Columbia.
For several years, Rosalie worked as a Data Entry Processor for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. She treasured
simple pleasures and family traditions, especially Sunday mornings spent sharing coffee and donuts with her mother and
brother Edziu. These gatherings often included other family members and became treasured moments of connection
and laughter.
Rosalie enjoyed dining out, savoring a nice glass of wine, and keeping up with the latest celebrity news through her
favorite magazines, including People, Star, and The National Enquirer. Her enjoyment of celebrity gossip was a light-
hearted contrast to her deeply compassionate nature.
A devoted animal lover, Rosalie opened her heart and home to many beloved cats throughout the years. Among all her
cherished pets, Baby—the sweet Cockapoo she and Carlos rescued on a rainy day—held a particularly special place in
her heart.
Rosalie will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering faith, devotion to family, and ability to find joy in life’s simple
moments. Her love touched generations, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May
Rosalie rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosalie Ann Ortega, please visit our floral store.