Rose Baggiani Munoz

On Sunday, July 4, 2021, a vibrant and beloved member of our Bakersfield community passed away comfortably and peacefully at the age of 80 years old.

Rose was born on August 25, 1940 in Porcari, Lucca – Italy.  She emigrated to the United States in 1955 with her parents, Dante and Sara Baggiani and her sister, Carla Baggiani.  They settled in Buttonwillow, California where her father farmed and established the family.  Rose attended Shafter High School and worked at the Buttonwillow National Bank.  She became a naturalized citizen in 1960.  That year, she also met her sweetheart, Frank, and they wed 3 ½ years later.  They were married for 54 years and enjoyed participating in various community events. Weekend activities usually involved going to dances or hosting many get-togethers with family and friends. They had two children together--son, Rodd D. Munoz, and daughter, Valerie Munoz.  Rose enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother and poured 110% of her heart into her family.  She was fluent in Italian, Spanish and English and taught her children to be tri-lingual.  Rose was thrilled when both children obtained their Master’s Degrees as well.  She also adored her new grandson, Mateo Frank Munoz, and had fun playing “La Luce” with him. 

 Rose was extremely proud of her Italian heritage and this was exemplified in the delicious recipes and meals she often prepared.  On special days, the aroma from her unparalleled marinara sauce would linger in the neighborhood.  In 1990, after 35 years of missing her Italian native country and all the people she grew up with, she took her family on a special vacation to visit them in Italy.

Rose was a member of the Kern County Wool Growers Auxiliary.  Years later, she worked part-time assisting her husband in his business.

Though her time on this earth has ended, Rose is now at peace with our Lord and Savior in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Grazie di tutto.  Ti Amiamo e ci Mancherai!

Pallbearers will be Robert Coons, Damian Zaninovich, Matthew Faulkner, Julio Marquez, Nathan Hobbs, Andy Iturriria and Martin Downs.

 A traditional Catholic Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 15, 2021 beginning at 9:30 am at Christ the King Catholic Church (1800 Bedford Way, Bakersfield, CA 93308).  The Mass will be followed by a graveside burial at Union Cemetery (730 Potomac Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307).