Rosita Pickle

Rosita Pickle Obituary

Rosita Pickle left this world on Monday, April 29 after a short battle with brain cancer. Rosita was born on October 16, 1947 in El Paso, TX to Angela Gonzalez and Arthur Pickle, Sr. She was especially close to her older brother Joe and younger brother, Art.  After her parents’ divorce, she moved with her mother and brothers to Albuquerque.

Rosita was a free spirit – a true child of the 1960s – and in her 20s she decided (on a whim) to move to Kona, Hawaii.  When she arrived with no plan in place, she picked up her bags and hitchhiked into town from the airport. During her time in paradise, she met and fell in love with a dashing Canadian - Donald Lane.  They married in 1974. A year later, and after a move to Canada, they welcomed their only son, Jayson Lane.

Jayson was Rosita’s pride and joy. After returning to Albuquerque following her divorce from Donald, she became a resourceful and doting single mother. Rosita went on to marry and divorce Jack Rockafellow.

Rosita worked at the University of New Mexico in both the Air Force ROTC and Spanish Departments, as well as in the Medical Records Department of the University of New Mexico Hospital. She loved to dance, laugh, and watch movies.  Throughout her life, Rosita struggled bravely with mental illness – and her family with the lack of resources available to those that suffer. Now, she is finally free.

She is survived by her son, Jayson Lane (Lisa) and her grandchildren, Cooper and Rowan of Rio Rancho.  She also leaves behind her younger brother, Arthur Pickle, Jr. of Albuquerque; her dear sister-in-law Priscilla Pickle of Los Lunas, as well as her long-time friend, Susie Correa (and family) of Albuquerque. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins all along the Rio Grande. She was preceded in death by her parents, Angela and Arthur; her older brother, Joe Pickle; and her daughter, Jacqueline Roseangela.

Her family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of the Presbyterian Kaseman Inpatient Hospice for their exceptional care in her final days.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniels Family Funeral Services. A rosary (10 am) followed by a celebration of Rosita’s life (11 am) will take place on Saturday, June 8 at St. Francis Episcopal Church (2903 Cabezon Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho, New Mexico). A reception will follow the service.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rosita’s name to Presbyterian Hospice (8100 Constitution Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110) or the Barrett Foundation (10300 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 or at www.barrettfoundation.org).