Rogelia Amarillas 99, Calexico

Apr. 2, 1918 - Feb. 1, 2018

Our beloved mother departed to eternity in peace and joy, on February 1, 2018. Just two months short of her 100th birthday. She was born on April 2, 1918 in Novajoa, Sonora. Rogelia married Miguel F. Amarillas and had four children to whom she devoted her life, Annie (Al) Wilson, Mike (Rosa) Amarillas, Luly (Danny) Ramirez and Yoli (Rigo) Vindiola; also eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Rogelia lived her life to the fullest and leaves behind a legacy that will remain in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved her. Mrs. Amarillas, as she was known, by all her piano students, will be missed and cherished forever, as her passion and love was always music. She studied at the Conservatorio de Musica de Mexico. She was a professional private piano teacher for many years, 1954-2002. She was the first bilingual piano teacher in Calexico, and was dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in her music career. In 1973 Rogelia was accepted as an active member of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), and presented the MTAC Musical Certificate of Merit to her Calexico High School students. She was also an annual contributor to the Imperial Valley Symphony Association. Some of her former students have also become piano teachers in the Imperial and Mexicali Valleys and were inspired by her to continue their education by achieving a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music.

Rogelia was very active in her community, her participation included: Calexico Women’s Improvement Club Board member; Las Vecinas; Orthopedic Clinic; Calexico Catholic Church music and choir (1961-69); she was awarded Woman of the Year (2002) by The Center for Family Solutions; recognized as a Calexico Pioneer by the Chamber of Commerce (2001) and was one of the founders of the Calexico Hospital Auxiliary. The emptiness left by Rogelia’s passing is filled by warm memories of her music, elegance, grace, kindness and deep understanding of her desire to improve the life of every student she taught.

Service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Calexico. Scriptural Rosary will be held at 9 a.m. with Holy Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.