Maria Rosa "Rosita" Canela Ceja, 75, of Harrisonburg, VA, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Sentara RMH Medical Center. She was born on April 3, 1949, to the late Benjamin Canela and Maria Ceja. Rosita was born in her beloved Michoacan, Mexico, where she grew up surrounded by her large family. As a teenager, she moved to Mexico City, where she met her future husband, married, and started a family. For the past 29 years, she made Harrisonburg, Virginia, her home. She pursued studies to become a secretary in Mexico City. Throughout her life, Rosita dedicated herself to caring for her family and children. Later, she worked as a Sales Manager in the hospitality industry. After moving to the United States, she joined her daughter Veronica in the travel and tourism sector. Rosita had a deep love for cooking and an undeniable talent in the kitchen, a true gift that brought joy to those around her. She is survived by her children, Veronica Amato (son-in-law, Gervasio Marco Amato), and Sealtiel Mauricio Gutierrez Canela; and three granddaughters, Annika Bryn Amato, Alexa Mia Amato, and Veronica Rose Gutierrez. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Alberto Gutierrez Canela. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4 pm on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 154 N Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 5:30 pm at the Preston Lakes Club House, Greenfield Ln. Harrisonburg, VA. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.