Rose Laforett

Rose Laforett (93) was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, loved by everyone who knew her. 

She was born in August of 1929 in Cerro, New Mexico to Eufemia Gomez and Medardo Laforett. She was the youngest of six children and weighed only 3 pounds at her birth. Her father named her after Santa Rosa de Lima. Her father died when she was about 6 weeks old.

Growing up, Rose was known for making her own clothes. She made rag dolls and their clothing. She made her first dress when she was 12 years old.  While attending Costilla High School, she was often encouraged by her home Economics and Math teacher, Sister Clara, a nun in the Sisters of Charity order. Sister encouraged Rose to study Home Economics and Math, as well as becoming a nun. Rose was often tasked with making lunch for the sisters and teaching the other girls how to sew. During this time all her clothes were homemade. Rose made homemade cakes for the school bake sales and the sisters would always buy her cakes. 

Rose was a beautiful prom queen and the 4 Clover Queen her senior year in high school. Rose graduated from Costilla High School in 1949.  Her graduation pamphlet predicted that in 10 years, “Rose Laforett, who was especially known for her beautiful complexion and sweet personality, is now in Hollywood modeling clothes.” 

Rose moved to Santa Fe, and her first job was at Peterson Drive Inn. She wore roller skates as she served her customers. She married in 1952 and devoted her life to her four children. She worked for the State of New Mexico for the Department of Motor Vehicle for 31 years and issued dealer and prestige license plates until she retired in 1987.  

Rose enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved to dance. She had a great influence on everyone she knew. She was a strong maternal mentor and support to those that needed to experience her wisdom and love. She was a godmother to her nephew Steve and grandson David.  

Rose Laforett (93) died peacefully and surrounded by family at her home on October 16, 2022. 

She is survived by her children Daniel (Anna), Doris, and Dolan, grandchildren Victoria, Cristina, and David (Paige), and five great-grandchildren along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

Preceded in death are her parents: Euphemia, and Medardo, her youngest son Dennis, her sisters: Celia, Getruditas, Mary, Viola and her brother: Reuben, her grandparents: Juan Gomez, and Pricilliana Vigil, Juan Laforett and Josefita Gonzales her aunts, and uncles including Fidelia, Sara, Frederico, Eligio, Augustina, Moises, Adonaisa, Juan de Dios, Jose Abel, Ciria, Eva, and George.

The celebration of her life will be on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. A Rosary will begin at 10:00 AM and Mass will be at 10:30 AM at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The interment will follow at Rosario Cemetery. 

For any floral deliveries, please deliver to the Rivera Funeral Home by 4:00 pm Tuesday, October 25.