Rosemary Pena Sambrano

Rosemary Peña Sambrano, a spirited, faith-filled, and loving soul, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on June 10, 2023. Born on November 10, 1951, in Tulare, CA, Rosemary was the shining light of Salvador Rojas Fernandez and Juanita Pena Fernandez. She passed away surrounded by her loving family in Fresno, CA, due to health complications related to Covid.

Rosemary is survived by her loving husband, Domingo Perez Sambrano, to whom she was married for over 50 years since 1971. Together, they built a life and raised three children: Mario Domingo Sambrano, Jose Ramon Sambrano, and Rosemary Juanita Sambrano. Her spirit lives on in her loving family, including her six siblings Esther Ibarra, Guadalupe Fernandez (deceased), Salvador Fernandez Jr., Juanita Fernandez, Frank Fernandez, and Rachael Fernandez, her three children, nineteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories they shared and the love they received from their dear Rosemary. Rosemary brightened the lives of her best friend of 58 years, Mary Valencia, and fellow church members, Pete and Victoria Luna along with her three beloved doggies: Lucky "Bun", Little Mickey, and Bella Sambrano.

In her professional life, Rosemary was nothing short of inspirational. She began her career at Winchell's Donut House from 1971 until 1985, where she worked alongside her loving parents, husband, and served as a manager. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone bright as she continued her passion for donuts and became the owner of the popular Sal's Donuts House in downtown Fresno from 1986 until her retirement in 2008. Upon her retirement, Rosemary took her talents to Sterling & Smith Funeral Home, where she served as office manager, notary, and ministered to people for over 13 years, from 2007 to 2020.

Rosemary's educational journey began in 1995 with her furthering her spiritual education and ministry at Fresno Victory Outreach Church through the Victory Education & Training Institute. In 2000, Rosemary earned her GED from Cesar Chavez Adult School as valedictorian. She went on to complete her education in paralegal studies, notary, and taxes at Fresno City College.

A woman of many talents, Rosemary's impact on her community was deep and heartfelt. She was known for her award-winning tamales, taking home first place for the best tamales in Fresno County. She was a marriage counselor for blended families and had a special place in her heart for ministering to women. Her love for others was evident in every aspect of her life.

Rosemary's interests were as diverse as her talents. She cherished spending time with her 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, traveling with them to destinations like Disneyland, Hawaii, Oregon, and New York. She also enjoyed watching mystery movies and television shows such as Law & Order, Judge Judy, as well as Hulu series like 9-1-1, The Doctor, and The Rookie. Rosemary was a Star Wars and Mandalorian fan who could often be found watching Baby Yoda and eating popcorn with her grand boys, Joshua, Xavier, Christian, just as much as she loved to cook mouth-watering dishes like chicken mole, barbacoa, tamales, menudo, enchiladas, and her delicious potato salad.

Her love for cooking and her community intersected as she often participated in church fundraisers and events. Rosemary's faith was at the core of her being, and she enjoyed preparing food to bring love to the community, an activity that brought her closer to the Creator. Rosemary also formed a girls club called the Yaya Sisters for ten women who enjoyed followship through sharing delicious meals, watching Broadway shows, and train rides to Hanford.

As we gather to celebrate the life of Rosemary Peña Sambrano, we give thanks for the blessings she brought to those around her. She was a woman who did everything she set her heart to do, touching countless lives through her love, service, and ministry. Her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and her joyous spirit will forever be etched into the hearts of those she leaves behind. We are comforted in knowing that Rosemary now rests in the loving embrace of her Heavenly Father, and her legacy lives on through the lives she touched.