Rose Mary Wills

December 5, 2021

Resting peacefully on the wings of eternity, Rose Mary Wills joined her Heavenly Father on the sun-filled afternoon of Sunday, December 5, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 9, 1933 in Brownsville, Texas, the place she would call home for 88 years. With faith and love that could move a mountain, she always wanted you to know she “loved you more!” Her six children were always her greatest source of pride and watching their families grow and bring home grandchildren filled her heart with tremendous joy. Her family tree grew to over 60 branches, but she somehow managed to thoughtfully send a card, gift, text or voicemail to sing “Happy Birthday” on your special day. When she spoke to you, she had a way of making you feel you were the only person in the world to celebrate on that day. She left an impact on every person she met; whether for one day or a lifetime. Her children will agree that most conversations with old friends include, “How is your mother?” Rose Mary was a fiercely loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. She could hug your neck with sincere affection that could cure anything that ailed you. She could tenderly prune a rose bush with one hand and smack you with her cane in the other if she felt you deserved it (or just because she could). She enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren with the vitality of a teenager. In early years she could be found driving her children around in her yellow Volkswagen van with “Ricky” the monkey jumping on the dash. In more recent years, she could be found peacefully swinging in her backyard reading her bible and reminiscing with family and friends over a life well lived. She had an indomitable spirit and constantly encouraged her family to work hard to achieve their highest potential. Rose Mary is survived by her children Sandra (Paul) Cox, Rose Mary (Mark) DeGraaf, Robert (Myra) Nunez, Richard (Nancy) Nunez, Alfred (Liza) Nunez and David (Leah) Nunez, blessing her with 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren that affectionately called her “Nana.” Her brothers Robert H. Wills, Antonio Barreda, Ramiro Barreda, Raul Barreda, Juan Barreda, Albert Barreda and sister Alma Peterson and 19 nieces and nephews. She was also blessed by an abundance of extended family and friends. Nana was preceded in death by her parents Romana and Roscoe Wills and step-father, Alfredo M. Barreda, her brothers Freddy, Gustavo and Robert “Neke” Barreda and her beloved grandson Chase Dillon Nunez. Rose Mary’s family would like to offer gratitude and appreciation to Fresenius Kidney Care; especially treasured staff member Belinda. As Nana rejoices in her first Christmas in heaven, a memorial mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary, Mother of the Church in Brownsville, Texas on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Mary, Mother of the Church in Rose Mary Wills distinct honor and memoriam. Saint Mary, Mother of the Church 1914 Barnard Road Brownsville, Texas 78520 (956)546-3800