Rose Marie Vega

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rose Marie Ortanez Vega, who left us gently on August 9, 2024. Born in Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines, Rose lived a life full of love, compassion and dedication to her family and community.

Rose began her lifelong commitment to caring for others after she graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Nursing in 1961 with high honors while earning second place in her board examinations. She went on to practice nursing at Temple University in Philadelphia. 

She possessed an unwavering faith and was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary, where she found joy and fulfillment in prayer and community service. She was a leader of the Legion of Mary Praesidium at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, and belonged to the lay order of the Carmelites as a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). 

Rose was also an active member of the Samahang Pilipino ng Pittsburgh, which later became the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh. Through this community, she found many close friendships that she truly cherished while becoming a beloved tita to their children.

An avid traveler, she visited 25 countries and enjoyed seeing new places and interacting with people and cultures, enriching her life and those around her with her experiences and stories. She also enjoyed composing songs and was working on a book about her life.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Gregorio Ortanez, MD, and Loreto Ortanez, her oldest sister, Loida C. Ortanez, MD, and her younger brother, Gregorio Ortanez, IV. She is survived by her cherished brother, Iluminado Ortanez, MD, and his wife, Corazon Cania Ortanez, MD, and her dear sister, Emily, and her husband, Efren Quesada.

Rose’s legacy lives on through her loving husband, Rogelio E. Vega, MD, and their sons, Paul Vega, Alan Vega and his partner, John Grimshaw, Richard Vega and his wife, Melinda Salvoza, and Ron Vega and his wife, Christine Vega. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to her grandson, Gibson Vega.

Rose’s warmth, kindness and unwavering support will be deeply missed by her husband, sons, family, friends and all who knew her. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.

All are welcome on Saturday, October 5 after 10 AM until the time of her celebration of life service at 11 AM, William Slater II Funeral Service, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 412-563-2800. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in her honor.

www.slaterfuneral.com