Obituaries

Rose Ann Sena, 71, Santa Fe, Feb. 25

Rose Ann Sena died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 25 at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rose Ann “Grandma Sparkles” Sena was 71.

Rooted in a strong Catholic faith, Rose Ann was an active member of Santa Fe’s community. Serving as both teacher and servant for Catholic churches, including baptism, Eucharist Ministry, and the Santa Fe Fiesta Council. It was her strong sense of faith that helped her survive multiple cancers over the past 20 years.

Born to Peter and Mary Petersen in Los Alamos, Rose Ann was the eldest of three daughters. As a child, Rose Ann had a passion for fashion and was an incredible seamstress. She briefly considered a career in the fashion industry. Upon entering college, her focus quickly changed to the wellbeing of children and education, however, her keen eye for fashion never left her. Rose Ann received degrees and certifications in education from NMSU, UNM, and Harvard University.

Working in Santa Fe’s most diverse schools, Rose Ann’s career would span over four decades as a teacher and principal, but teaching the fourth grade was always her favorite. As a five-time cancer survivor, Rose Ann would often say the only thing more rewarding then beating cancer was teaching. After retirement, she briefly left New Mexico, spending a year teaching at Holy Trinity Elementary School in Washington, DC.

Rose Ann met the love of her life, Ray Sena, during a blind date in college. After meeting Ray, Rose Ann was so taken, she would repeatedly ask fellow Chi-Omega Sorority Sisters to drive by his apartment to check and see if he was “home.” Married on December 26, 1970 at St. Francis Cathedral, Rosie and Ray moved back to Santa Fe to be close to relatives and start their family. After Ray’s passing in 2018, Rose Ann continued to celebrate their anniversary yearly.

Rose Ann is survived by her son Daniel Sena, who lives outside of Washington, DC with his wife Elizabeth; her sisters, Dottie Quintenz who lives in the East Mountains with husband Jeff Quintenz; and Pam Mapes who lives in Dallas, TX with husband Rob Mapes. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Rose Ann’s biggest joy in life came from her grandchildren, Isabel Ann and Lucas Daniel Sena. Grandma Sparkles was a term coined by her granddaughter Isabel – with the two of them sharing a flair for fashion, in particular bedazzled outfits.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, March 2 at 5 p.m. at Berardinelli Funeral Home with a private mass and funeral the following day. The Viewing, Rosary and mass will be live-streamed. If you would like to join, please follow these directions: Viewing/Rosary: go to oneroom.com and click “watch now.” Enter event ID: BerardinelliFS and Event Password: KUXRUE. For the mass on Wednesday, go to the same sight and enter the same event ID: BerardinelliFS and Event Password: WFYQDT.