Maria Rosana Chavez Piña

October 24, 1958 – August 19, 2023

Phoenix, AZ

Rosana Piña, beloved mother and sister, passed away on Saturday, August 19th after valiantly fighting stage IV cancer. She maintained a true joie de vivre to the very end. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Rosana is best remembered for her earnest kindness, creativity, and positivity.

Rosana graduated from North High School and completed coursework at Phoenix College. She then pursued a career in banking that spanned over 30 years before pivoting to the insurance industry. In retirement, she enjoyed watching TV (she loved the commercials), painting, and singing karaoke with her partner, Fuji.

An avid animal lover, Rosana was devoted to many pets throughout her life including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and chickens. She loved visiting the Phoenix Zoo, orangutans being a particular favorite. Family and friends will fondly remember Rosana for her love of Loteria and birthday parties. She inspired an appreciation of the world through travel for her daughter.

Rosana is survived by her loving daughter Alicia Chavez, partner Fanuga “Fuji” Lemau, and by her siblings (and their spouses); Leticia Moreno (John) and Armando Chavez (Suzanna). She was blessed with 11 nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, and a bevy of dear friends. Rosana is preceded in death by her parents, Alicia and Ramon Chavez, and brothers, Albert and Fernando Chavez.

In lieu of memorial services, well wishers are invited to take time to do something that will bring them joy. As an unwaveringly positive, happy person, Rosana hoped for loved ones to always look on the bright side, especially while remembering her. Donations may be made in her honor to local animal shelters & rescues, or to the

Phoenix Zoo

.