Rosa Garcia Diaz

In Loving Memory of Rosa Garcia Diaz (LA ROSA) September 26, 1937 – August 2, 2025

With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rosa Garcia Diaz, aka as LA ROSA, a devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved member of the Bakersfield community.

Rosa was born on September 26, 1937, in Mexico City, Mexico, to Juan Garcia and Isabel Perez. She was the middle child of three (brothers Luis and Rafael), Rosa learned early the values of hard work and family while assisting in her father's construction materials business. It was there she met Jesus Diaz, the love of her life. They were married on May 19, 1957, in Mexico City and soon embarked on a journey to create their American dream.

In 1958, Rosa and Jesus settled in Chicago, Illinois, where they began raising their daughters, Lucy and Norma. Rosa worked for many years as an office manager in a doctor’s office, embodying warmth and professionalism. Her family's path later brought them back to Mexico and then to Delano, California, before finally planting roots in Bakersfield in 1972.

In Bakersfield, Rosa worked at Mercy Hospital before discovering her passion for baking. She founded Cakes For All Occasions, a beloved bakery known for its exquisite wedding and birthday cakes. Her creativity and talent quickly made her a household name in Bakersfield. After the birth of their third child Laura, Rosa and Jesus expanded their entrepreneurial spirit in 1980 by opening La Rosa de Mexico, named after Rosa. It is now known as La Rosa Fruit Bars and Ice Cream Inc., a thriving family business passed down to daughter Norma upon their retirement in 2000.

Rosa remained a devoted mother, always prioritizing love, kindness, and service. She was a quiet force of generosity, often delivering food, clothing, and comfort to people in need.

Rosa passed away peacefully at Hoffman House in Bakersfield on August 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her spirit lives on through her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, vibrant energy, and contagious smile.

Rosa’s legacy is one of hard work, love, compassion, and dedication—a beautiful life remembered and celebrated. She is survived by her husband Jesus (68 years married), three daughters, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, 2 ½ great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held at Doughty Calhoun O’Meara Funeral Home (1100 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301) on Friday August 15th starting at 10am.

Services will begin at 11am on August 15th at Doughty Calhoun O’Meara Mortuary, followed by burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park (9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306) at 12:30pm.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the exceptional nurses and staff at Park View Julian, Hoffman’s House, and especially to her daughter Lucy Diaz and to Leticia Leja, for their compassionate and dedicated care.