Obituary of Ilia Maria Rosen

Ilia Fernandez Rosen

Ilia Rosen, 88, beloved sister, aunt, and friend to many, died peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Healthcare.  

Ilia was born on December 9, 1929, in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico (PR).  She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras in 1952, and went on to become a high school English teacher in Juana Diaz, PR.  She became a Girl Scout Leader, whom she worked with for many years, traveling across the island as well as the US.  While living in San Juan, PR, she served as a chaperone for the 1972 Miss Universe Pageant.  Following her marriage to Jean Rosen, she retired from teaching and moved to West Orange, NJ, where she quickly became involved with her church, a variety of social and literary clubs, traveled extensively with Jean, and was a frequent attendee to the symphonies and operas in New York City.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Jean Rosen, her sister Sonia Fernandez, and her brothers Arnaldo and Victor Fernandez.  She is survived by her sister, Zobeida F. Carrion, her brother, Bernardo Fernandez, her stepdaughter Suzanne Rosen, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Following the death of Jean, Ilia moved to Chapel Hill, NC to be near her sister’s family. Ilia’s biggest joy in her later years was spending time with her friends and family.  She enjoyed participating in all family get-togethers, traveling to weddings and graduations, returning to PR annually for reunions with her former students, hosting dinner parties, and catching up at her weekly coffees and luncheons.  Her genuine interest in and caring for everyone she met ensured she was always sought after for conversation and company.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 11am at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, 314 Great Ridge Parkway, Chapel Hill, NC.  A small reception for family and friends will follow immediately in the Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ilia Rosen to Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church. 

Support services have been provided by Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.