Rosalina “Rose” Simon Domondon (Courtesy photo)
By Laura Domondon Lee
Special to the Herald
Born in Seattle on March 23, 1936, Rosalina “Rose” Simon Domondon began working at a young age — in a restaurant, a cannery, the family grocery store — to contribute to the family income. Her strong values of faith and compassion were instilled in her early by her hardworking and devout parents, Matilde and stepfather Harry Rallos. Rose often talked about how her parents let customers pay for groceries when, or if, they could. Their lessons of goodwill, kindness and respect, along with her deep commitment to giving a voice to those who could not speak out, like the work of her father Aurelio Simon, who died when she was nine-months old, helped to shape Rose into the caring person we all loved and cherished.
A teacher by profession, Rose’s exceptional communication and organizational skills carried over to every job and task she set out to do. She had the biggest heart and trusted God in all things.
Rose moved to Hawaii in 1971, when her husband Sergio was assigned to Hickam Air Force Base.
Her impact in the church and community is immeasurable. She volunteered for decades at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Pearl City to help coordinate outreach programs that brought comfort to the home-bound, spiritual guidance to the discouraged, food to those in need, and resources and support to vulnerable community members. She had a soft spot for senior citizens and throughout her life advocated to help them stay safe, connected and cared for.
Rose was a member of the Board of Health, the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several committees, including co-chair of the Catholic Charities Hawaii Island Treasures volunteer appreciation events. Rose also participated in the National Advisory Council of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops which offered insight and advice to the bishops of the United States. Her compassion extended abroad to the Philippines where she assisted the Aloha Medical Mission.
In addition to being the nicest and most supportive mom, one of her greatest honors was receiving the Catholic Charities Hawaii ‘Ulu Award for exemplary volunteer service and commitment to its mission and values of dignity, compassion and social justice.
When she wasn’t working for a cause, or at home taking care of family, you could usually find her smiling and gallivanting with her dear sister Shirley.
Rose loved to sing in the church choir, travel to explore faraway places and visit family and friends, and read and write. She was very intelligent and even considered a Mensa genius. Completing the daily New York Times crossword puzzle was a breeze and she often would read novels from cover-to-cover overnight. Her mind stayed sharp and she kept her sense of humor and gentle power of persuasion.
Rosalina Simon Domondon entered Heaven peacefully on May 17 in Pearl City. She was 87.
Rose is preceded in death by beloved daughter Maria “Christie” Domondon. She is survived by her husband Sergio “Don,” daughters Laura (Evan) Lee and Liana Mulleitner (Scott Dirks), grandchildren Payton Mulleitner, Eric Lee and Taylor Anne Lee, and brothers Aurelio Jr. and Benjamin Simon. Heaven has gained a beautiful and loving treasure in Rose.
The public is invited to celebrate Rose’s life on July 14 at 9 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 1525 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City. Mass follows at 10 a.m. and burial is 1 p.m. at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. Aloha attire is requested.
Laura Lee is Rose Domondon’s daughter.
