Rosalie Pestolante Wright

Rosalie “Rose” Mag-alasin Pestolante Wright was born on May 19, 1966, in Sagay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. On March 8, 2024, on her way home from Florida, she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Rose grew up in Victoria, San Remigio, Cebu, Philippines. As the oldest of five children, she quickly learned how to look out for those around her. When she was eighteen, she heard the gospel and became a believer in Jesus Christ, a faith she passionately held onto. In 1986, an entry for a potential penpal caught her eye — Stanley (Stan) Wright of Chariton, Iowa. She had always loved the name Stanley, and they shared a faith in Jesus. After getting to know each other through writing and some visits back and forth, they were married on December 31, 1988, in Unionville, Iowa.

Stan and Rose raised their children in West Des Moines, Iowa. While Stan worked, Rose homeschooled. All of her children had no choice but to excel in music and art, and Rose made sure they had many lessons and opportunities. The family made regular road trips to Orlando, where Rose loved to swim and forage in the ocean.

The Philippines always had a special place in her heart. She owned Filipino property and sent back many Balikbayan boxes to relatives. She and Stan formally adopted the children of her sister, Nancy, and gave them a home among her children in Iowa.

Rose always had her own way of doing things, and she was extravagant in everything she did. She was a renowned home cook, excellent flower gardener, gifted singer/songwriter, persevering traveler, ferocious negotiator, and construction queen. She taught herself how to tile floors, pour concrete, and put in a kitchen backsplash. She made Filipino staples, like lumpia, pancit, chicken adobo, biko, and bod-bod. And she had her own perfected recipes — green chili enchiladas, cinnamon rolls, pizza. Her family was always well-fed. No guest left without bags full of leftovers. Rose also cherished music, color, quality, and bargains. She believed in herself, and anything she did, she did absolutely well. She was always true to herself.

Though she was many things, she was happiest to be in love with the love of her life, her husband of 35 years. They built a house, traveled the world, dreamed of new ventures, and cared for their four dogs: Elijah Dale, Abendigo, King David, and Sir Daniel.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gregorio and Erlinda; and her brothers, Warren and Renante. She is survived by her husband, Stan; and her children and adopted children: Isaiah (Amanda), Micah, Courtney (Jack), Hannah (Joe), Moriah (Manny), Sheanah, and Bek (Kevin); and her sister, Nancy; and brother, Bernardo.

A private funeral service will occur on Friday, March 15.

She is deeply admired and fiercely missed. We love you so much, Rose. May your heart be at peace in the love of your Heavenly Father.

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