Rosemary G. McDonald, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on October 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 25, 1941, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to Julian and Juanita Garcia.
She grew up in Silver City, where she graduated from high school and worked at the Gambles hardware store in downtown Silver City. It was during this time that Rosemary met and married Edward P. McDonald, a U.S. Navy veteran, and together they began raising their family.
Following Edward's passing in 1972 while serving aboard the USS Midway, Rosemary returned from California to New Mexico with their three young sons. She continued working and devoted herself to raising her children with remarkable strength, determination, and love.
Rosemary later shared her life with Pete Q. Torres II, and together they welcomed two more sons. Her children were among her greatest sources of love and pride, and her devotion to her family remained at the heart of her life.
Rosemary enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, cooking, dancing, playing cards, making new friends, and sharing laughter with those around her. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, wisdom, generous spirit, and deep love for her family.
Rosemary is survived by her four sons, Arcenio McDonald and his wife, Ymelda; Edward McDonald and his wife, Jackie; Gilbert McDonald; and JD Torres and his fiancé, Christina Montoya; six grandchildren, Peter Torres IV and his wife, April; Angel Torres and his wife, Julea; Gilbert McDonald Jr.; Asia Landon; Izaiah Escalante; and Jonah Escalante; four great-grandchildren, Adalaya Rosemarie Torres, Izabella Torres, Xamani Torres, and Ezekiel Torres; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward P. McDonald; her lifelong partner, Pete Q. Torres II; her beloved son, Peter G. Torres III; and her parents, Julian and Juanita Garcia.
Above all else, Rosemary was a mother. Her family was a source of tremendous love and pride throughout her life. Through joyful times and heartbreaking loss, her devotion to her family never wavered. The strength, wisdom, laughter, and love she gave so freely will live on through her family for generations to come. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Rosemary was the heart of our family. Her strength, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love shaped our lives and will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the years, memories, laughter, and love we were blessed to share with her.
Mom, you will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Rest peacefully.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 23rd from 10:30-11am. Rosary will begin at 11am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The funeral service will commence at 12:30pm, at the Santa Clara Catholic Church, in Santa Clara, NM, with Father Peter Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service, interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. Pallbearers will be Angel Torres, Peter Thomas Torres, Roland Madrid, Jonah Escalante, Gibby Yniguez, Lorenzo Nevarez. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Gleason and David Garcia.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
