Rosemary Dominguez

Dominguez, Rosemary 75, passed away peacefully September 26, 2013 in San Jose CA, surrounded by her loving daughters. Rosemary, was born and raised in Aurora Illinois. Her elementary years were spent at Holy Angels, where she was a dutiful member of the church choir. She was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She was preceded in death by Simon, her husband of 40 years, her parents Rose and Frank Miller, sister Marilyn Hedges, aunts Florence Gay, Shirley Hurd, Elizabeth Harmon, Ruth Pigatti, and uncles, Tony and Peter Pigatti. She attended college in California at Sacramento State, where she received her BA in Corrections Social Work. After college, she worked as a probation officer in Sacramento, where she and Simon met. They soon moved and settled in San Jose CA. She was an extraordinary cook and brought family and friends together with her legendary meals and desserts. Her no-nonsense attitude, wit and story-telling ability made for tremendously enjoyable gatherings and celebrations. She lived what she believed, and was always a fierce advocate for both family and community. She campaigned for many candidates and causes, going door to door collecting signatures, as well as hosting teas and political meetings. Her home was the precinct polling place for decades where she truly enjoyed reconnecting with neighbors and friends. She had a strong belief in public service and was a staunch supporter of local public schools. She held leadership positions of all types from room mother to PTA President to school site council, as well as numerous district committees. She was elected to the San Jose Unified Board of Education and later served as both juror and foreman for Santa Clara County's Grand Jury. She is survived by her daughters Catherine Brown, RoseAnne (Jeanne) Dominguez, Maria (Jim) Powell, six grandchildren: Krista (RJ), Gregory, John, Sarah, Emily, Thomas as well as her siblings Bud Miller, Kathy Adams and cousins Jerry Pigatti, Tom Pigatti, and Suzanne Granoff. A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Flowers, 900 South 2nd St., San Jose CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to KQED Public Radio (San Francisco, CA).