Rosa M. Mateo-Vegas, known to all who loved her as "Rosie", was born on December 17, 1954 at St. Luke's Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. She was the first child born to Maria and Pablo Mateo. Rosie attended the Starter Flasher High School where she would meet the man she would describe as being her "calm", her best friend, her confidant, and most importantly the love of her life. From high school sweethearts' on June 29, 1972 to husband and wife BJ and Rosie wed on June 29, 1992 and remained deeply in love for over Fifty years. They began their family early on and were blessed with two daughters Anna and Elizabeth.

Rosie went on to earn her GED and continue her education at the Community College of Philadelphia. During that time Rosie worked several jobs; though her most fulfilling was working with the School District of Philadelphia as a Teacher's Assistant and Crossing Guard at Sheppard Elementary School. Rosie loved the children she taught. During her time at Sheppard Elementary School she began her fights as a Community Leader and Activist to ensure the safeguarding of children and their families. Rosie was a part of the Eastern Pennsylvania Organizing Project and the PTA along with her "crusaders" Malta Aviles, Angelina Rivera, Carmen Santos, the late Steve Honeyman, and Gordon Whitman; who fought for rebuilding, proper policing, equal education, and bilingual staffing. Rosie went on to leave Sheppard Elementary School to care for her mother in her last days and through the years has continued to care for her sister Maria and brother George who required additional care, support, and supervision.

Rosie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1991 and was a member of Zion Assembly of God Church. Rosie was not only the Matriarch of her family but also a devoted daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Rosie enjoyed spending time with her family. Her eyes lit up with excitement, joy, and love with every moment she had with them. Rosie also enjoyed cooking, vacationing, shopping, playing games, and loving on her family but most of all she loved and obeyed God. If there was anything she did for her family, the first and last thing she would do was pray for them and their salvation.

Rosie was called to eternal rest on May 10, 2024. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Rosie leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Bj, two loving daughters, Anna and Elizabeth, two sisters Maria and Miriam, two brothers George and Pablo, 4 precious grand-daughters Desire, Fantasia, Kaila, and Selena, 2 loving grandsons Bobby and Dante, 5 beautiful great-grandchildren Jadyn, Milan, Kori, Skye, and Jayce, one niece Natasha, and 2 nephews Carlos and Justin along with a host of beloved relatives and friends.

Rosie left an imprint on our hearts that  will never be forgotten . Her memory will forever be cherished.