Anacorita Lawrence's Obituary
Our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Anacorita Rosas Lawrence 78, who was born and raised in the Cebu, Philippines. She was raised into a large family of 6 brothers and 5 sisters. After marriage and later divorcing and moving to the United States, she found joy in cooking, keeping her table filled with her famous Filipino dishes, like chicken adobo, lumpia, and pancit and most favorite fried chicken. Anacorita became a second mother and grandmother to the entire city of Spring Valley, California, especially on Grand Avenue, where she raised her family for over 20 years.
Anacorita was the sweetest and kindest woman, always willing to lend a hand whenever someone needed help, and others did the same for her. Her distinctive, loud, and robotic-sounding voice was her signature, who some joking feared she was always mean and boisterous but that was her mother instincts of character she withheld with everyone. Anacorita had a love for visiting the casino with her sister Ely. Many will always remember her asking them, "Do you have some for me?" or "You have money, honey?"—a playful way of asking for money for the casino or bingo. She also enjoyed watching TV and movies a lot frequently watching her favorite movie La Bamba over and over, listening to Elvis Presley, and cheering for the San Diego Padres and Chargers, hardly ever missing a game.
Anacorita had a heart so large that she considered everyone a part of her family, not just those related by blood. She worked for over 20 years in the housekeeping industry at the Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley, showing incredible dedication. Her work ethic was unmatched—she woke up at 4 am everyday walking to the bus and trolley, and head to work every day without fail. She was a loving mother, always doing her best to provide for her family and ensure that everyone had a place to call home. She wouldn’t have made it this far without the daily caring services of Melissa and her granddaughter Linda who did what they could for her.
Our beloved angel, Anacorita, will be deeply missed by so many who knew her, but her spirit will live on, watching over all of us. During the hard fight she fought hard until the end, knowing it was time to join her sister Ely. Anacorita would want everyone to continue living life to the fullest, finding happiness, working hard, and staying healthy. Anacorita’s passing she leaves behind the survived Rosas family currently in the Philippines but reunites with her sisters Columba Rosas and Eliberta Henderson in heaven.
Anacorita is survived by her family:
Daughter: MaryAnn
Sons: Merle, Johnny, Ronnie, Step-Son Tommy
Grandchildren: Ronnie (Nan), Linda, Caesar, Marina, Estela, Marcella, Athena, Briana, Dylan, Christian, (Lil) Johnny, Isabella (Izzy), Miles, Dymond and Xavier (Xman)
Great-Grandchildren: Christopher, Aisa, Ricardo, Issac, Grey, Adrian, Josh (JJ), Carlos (Charlie), Luna, Lorenzo, Luca, Lola, Gemma, Rah’sin and Ciana
What’s your fondest memory of Anacorita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anacorita?
Share a story where Anacorita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anacorita you’ll never forget.
How did Anacorita make you smile?
