Rose Swalwell

Rose was born on June 25, 1931 in Manhattan, New York. She was the middle of three sisters, the eldest sister being Anna and the youngest sister being Carmen. Her mother, also named Carmen, died when Rose was only two years old and thus was raised by her father Jose Rodriguez and stepmother Catalina. As a young child, Rose grew up in Spanish Harlem and worked in her father’s store he named after her called “Rosie’s Market”. Her dream, however, was to become a dancer and specifically, one of the Radio City Rockettes. Her father eventually moved out of the city and bought a 36 acre piece of land complete with farm animals and a three story stone house they referred to as “the castle”. Growing up she loved animals and this trait stayed with her throughout her life. She has adopted many animals over the years and even very recently, she rescued a stray and named him “Frankie” after one of her favorite singers, old blue eyes. Growing up, she was a bobby soxer, collected autographs and loved movies. She enjoyed hanging out with her good friends and lived life as most typical teenagers do. Upon her graduating high school, she married Joe Cortez at a young age of 18. With Joe, she had three children, Jo-Anne, Joey, and Ricky. She moved herself and the kids to California in 1963 where a year later she remarried to Don Leddick and had her fourth child, Athena, in 1965. They settled in Glendora which would remain her permanent residence. In 1981, she remarried to Joe Swallwel and were happily together for the next 36 years. They loved to travel and frequently enjoyed New York, Mexico, Las Vegas, and areas throughout the country. During her lifetime, she had various occupations including positions in the dental and caregiving fields which showed her spirit of helping others. She also loved music with some of her favorites including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Benny Goodman, Chicago, and even Prince. Growing up with little money, Rose knew the value of a dollar. Even so, she was very generous and never hesitated to help someone in financial need. She was a loving and caring person with a great sense of humor who loved to laugh and enjoy life. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her beloved family. For the most part, Rose remained in good health throughout her life. Only in recent years, did her health declined due to several bouts with cancer. Upon her death, she was surrounded by her loved ones including her husband, all four children, two grand kids, and daughter in law who were all by her side and comforted her as she succumbed to liver cancer at the age of 86 Rose's family requests that in lieu of flowers please send donations to the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society. (Link Below) http://www.sgvhumane.org/donate/

Rose Swalwell

June 25, 1931 - April 26, 2017