Rose Tafoya

TAFOYA, Rose Mary- age 86, of Flint, passed peacefully into eternal life on November 14, 2025 at McLaren Hospital, surrounded by the family she loved so fiercely.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, November 21, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2316 Coldwater Rd., Flint, MI 48505. Interment will follow at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00- 8:00 PM Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the church, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation will take place Friday from 10:00- 11:00 AM.

Rose was born on May 23, 1939, in Flint, MI, to Mary and Joseph Tafoya. She graduated from Dye High School in 1957, where she enjoyed playing softball and basketball, and later attended Flint Junior College. Rose began her career at Michigan National Bank as a secretary and, through dedication and hard work, rose to become secretary to the bank’s president. Over the course of her long and accomplished career, she also worked with D&N Bank and Republic Bank. She remained in the banking field throughout her life, known for her savvy intelligence, professionalism, and strong work ethic.

Independent, sharp, and deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage, Rose was the heart of her family. Though she did not have children of her own, she embraced her nieces and nephews as if they were hers. She celebrated their milestones, encouraged their dreams, and stayed engaged in their lives with genuine curiosity and pride. To her family, she was not only an aunt, but a guiding force; an honorary “Chief” whose leadership, humor, and steadfast love shaped generations.

Rose enjoyed traveling in her younger years, playing softball, working puzzles, and showcasing her skill as the reigning trivia champion at family gatherings. Some of her favorite activities included ventures to the casino, delighting in the thrill of a win, and keeping keenly aware of current events. She loved hosting parties, cooking for everyone, and especially treasured the family tradition of making tamales at Christmas.

A faithful member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Rose was instrumental in the financing and development of the present day church building; an enduring testament to her commitment to her community and her faith.

Rose is survived by her siblings Olga Kleckner of Flint Township and David (Bev) Tafoya of Cheboygan; her cherished lifelong comrade, Don Tickle, whose friendship remained steadfast through her final day; and many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, and great- great nieces and nephews; along with a lifetime’s worth of extended family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Tafoya; siblings Robert (Jr.) Reyna, Joseph (Rudy) Tafoya, Lorenzo (Lencho) Tafoya, Mary (Lenna) Eagleson, Fred Tafoya (Stinker); infant brother Baby Richie Tafoya; niece Marlo Korhonen; and great- nephew Corey Tafoya.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the 11th Floor McLaren nurses- Hunter and Mary- and to Chelsea from McLaren Home Health for their compassionate care.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Rose was truly one of a kind, a rare and cherished gift. Her strength, wisdom, and love will remain with her family always.