Rosanna Mistretti

Rosanna Roghi Mistretti

22 December 1938 – 18 November 2025

Surrounded by the love of her family, we share that Rosanna Roghi Mistretti beloved daughter, sister, wife, aunt, friend, cousin passed away on 18 November 2025 at the age of 86. Though words feel inadequate in moments like these, we remember Rosanna for the radiance of love, light, and warmth she brought to all whom she met.

Rosanna was born on 22 December 1938, in Marina di Grosseto, Italy to Angelo and Teresa Roghi. She had eight siblings, Elio, Elia, Pina, Franca, Giuliana, Franco, and twins Vittoria and Romana who both died at one year old. Rosanna grew up during World War II, and for her safety, and that of her some of her siblings, was sent to live with relatives in the hills of Florence where it was thought to be safer. She experienced the strafing of machine guns and saw soldiers flee for their lives. She was later reunited with the rest of her family in Marina di Grosseto.

Always very studious, Rosanna earned the highest grades in all subjects. Her teachers gladly shared with her parents how proud they were of her intelligence and academic ability, especially in Latin and composition.

In 1955, Angelo, Teresa, Franco and Rosanna were the first to immigrate to America. The second Roghi wave to immigrate were her sisters Elia, Franca and Giuliana. Rosanna was enrolled in Lynwood High School speaking only very basic English. Her academic prowess was touted in every English class to showcase her excellently written compositions.

Rosanna attended Cerritos College and then enrolled in classes at CSU, Fullerton, mainly in business classes with occasional French and German classes. She was a passionate learner and a voracious reader.

She worked for Security Pacific Bank, swiftly made her way to being Escrow manager, and was sent to other branches to assist in their escrow departments. She had an arduous professional work ethic that reached well beyond the bank. Her sisters relied on her for financial and legal advice. She never steered them wrong. The youngest sister became the oldest by necessity.

Any task she undertook was done to perfection--whether it was gardening, laying tile, or plumbing. Over the years she physically slowed down, but her mind, her memory remained crystal clear.

Zia Rosanna lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, humor, and resilience. She had a way of making others feel seen and valued, whether through a kind word, a shared laugh, a warm smile, or simply being present. Her love of reading, music (especially Italian music, Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como), gardening, and above all, dedication to her family touched countless lives and created memories for all who knew her that will be forever cherished. She taught us all that the little moments mattered. For example, weekend lunches at Kenos, Rodrigos, Gondolas, or Panera were her moments of joy to share a meal with her nieces, nephews, and great niece.

Above all, Rosanna lived a charmed life for many years with Sam. He treated her like a queen. They shared numerous adventures travelling to Europe, Asia, and through the USA. They also cultivated their land in Temecula where they built El Ranchito for family gatherings. During their last adventure together, Rosanna cared vigilantly for Sam in his final days.

Rosanna was “home base.” Her presence felt like home. Rosanna now enjoys her reunion with Sam and her family. Her memory will forever be our guide, and she will forever be in our hearts.

A celebration of Rosanna Roghi Mistretti’s life will be held on 17 December 2025 at St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church where friends and family will gather to remember this very strong Toscana, we all call Zia and friend. May her memory be a blessing, today and always.