Finding Family, Faith, and Joy at Sierra Winds
If you spend even a few moments with Rose, you’ll feel her positivity and hear her infectious giggle. From her warm smile to her boundless energy, Rose radiates the kind of joy that makes everyone around her feel at home. It’s no wonder she has found a perfect match at Sierra Winds, a place she says felt like home from the very first visit.
Growing Up in the Bronx
Rose’s story began in Puerto Rico, but she moved to the Bronx at the age of six, growing up in a tight-knit community where, as she jokes, “the elders watched over everyone so you couldn’t do anything wrong!” After graduating from high school, she went straight into the workforce at AT&T, later earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
“My high school counselor didn’t recommend me for college, and my family couldn’t afford it anyway,” she recalls. “But later, when AT&T offered tuition assistance, I was determined. I went to Mercy College at night after work and graduated with honors while working full-time and raising my son. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it.”
A Career She’s Proud Of
Rose’s 35-year career at AT&T is something she looks back on with pride. She started in the mailroom, moved to the typing pool, then advanced to the varitype group, where she worked on intricate printing projects. From there, she became a clerk for a manager who quickly recognized her potential and promoted her to administrative supervisor.
“AT&T was never boring,” she says. “It was all about the people, and I loved getting to know everyone.”
A Large, Loving Family
Family has always been at the center of Rose’s life. Her father passed away when she was just a baby, leaving her mother to raise 12 children. “My mother was loving. She had to be a father, mother, and friend,” Rose says. “We all took care of each other.”
Today, only three of the 13 siblings are still living, and they are all now in Arizona. Her sister Vicky is also a Sierra Winds resident!
Rose’s son Stephen has blessed her with two grandsons. Rose lights up when she talks about the big family gathering planned for December 2025.
Why She Chose Sierra Winds
Rose moved to Arizona after spending time in Nebraska, encouraged by her brother Joe to join him in the desert. But choosing the right senior living community took a lot of thought and prayer.
“I did my homework,” she laughs. “I made a huge list of pros and cons, visited several places, and even put a down payment at a different senior living community. But when my sister invited me to see Sierra Winds, I fell in love with it immediately. I knew this was where I was supposed to be.”
Now, two years later, she still feels the same way. “The friendliness of people here is amazing. When I first visited, I asked to have lunch with residents and sat with the most wonderful women – Marcia, Max and Linda. That experience drew me in. And now, when I see a tour coming through, I make sure they feel my excitement too.”
Staying Active and Giving Back
Rose is known around Sierra Winds for her energy and involvement. She volunteers in the library, serves on the Sunshine Committee to bring joy to residents going through hard times. She also visits a dear friend in Sun City every other week to help care for her.
Rose likes to take care of herself, attending exercise classes, enjoying arts and crafts, and even managing all the puzzles in the storage room. “My latest fun is with Diamond Dots! When I do those, my mind is at peace and I’m happy,” she says. But that’s not all; every Tuesday evening she enjoys dancing during the live entertainment. The residents who attend always encourage her to dance because they enjoy it so much.
Above all, she’s grateful for how Sierra Winds has improved her health and well-being. “When I was living alone, I wasn’t eating right or exercising. Now, my meals are balanced, my apartment is clean, and I feel strong because of the people around me. This is home.”
At Sierra Winds, residents like Rose find friendship, faith, and a vibrant life filled with purpose. Schedule your visit today and feel the difference for yourself.