Rosa Bodden

The sun rose on Rosa Elizabeth Bodden on October 7, 1947 to Hazard Bodden, Sr. and Erlinda Mae Bodden (neé Ennis Smith) in Puerto Cortés, Honduras. Born into a large family, Rosa quickly learned how to standout from her brothers and sisters. She assumed the role of peacemaker and assisted in helping to keep order and calm in the household. She was the one to bring quarreling siblings together in order to put whatever conflict aside so they could continue to honor their mother’s final wish for them to always stay united.

As a child Rosa showed an interest for learning. She completed her primary and secondary educations with high honors and received her Associate’s degree in Education at the Instituto Sagrado Coarzon de Jesus. Upon obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Universidad de Honduras in San Pedro Sula, Rosa was employed as a teacher at Escuela de San Martin de Porres in Puerto Cortés until she emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts with her daughter, Cheryl, in February 1979.

Rosa’s love for her daughter Cheryl, was immeasurable. She worked tirelessly to provide for her only child, in order to give her a loving and stable home, filled with joy and happiness. She relished being a grandmother, and most recently a great-grandmother. She was always front and center for every milestone occasion, as well as every football game or activity her daughter, son-in-law or grandsons were participating in.

Rosa was an avid learner and always sought to further her education or learn new things. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Northeastern in the mid-1980’s prior to becoming an ESL teacher with the Boston Public School system, where she worked for over 25 years. Prior to retirement, Rosa obtained her Master’s degree in Education and ESL certification from the University of Massachusetts Boston and additional credits for teaching at Fitchburg State University. At the age of 70, she graduated from the T.E.N. Worldwide Eagles Net- work, an international liturgical dance organization and was learning sign language, as her latest educational achievement.

Rosa accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior as a young adult and was baptized in the Christian faith. After emigrating to Boston, she became an active member of Greenwood Memorial United Methodist Church, where she immersed herself in the various ministries of the church. She served as the church treasurer for over 10 years and was a board member on the Greenwood Shalom ministry. She was an active member of the Chancel Choir, Hispanic Choir, as well as the Outreach & Prayer Teams. Her stewardship with the United Methodist Women resulted in multiple special recognitions, as she traveled throughout the United States attending regional and national UMW conferences. Rosa’s quiet and prayerful demeanor will be missed tremendously by her church brothers and sisters.

Rosa’s desire to serve the Lord was not limited to her church home. She became a constant and bright spirit at the Bread of Life International Worship Center, where her daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law, Steve, are active members. “Momma Rosa”, as she was affectionately called, participated in many ministries and activities of the church. Her quiet witness for the Lord will live on through the many seeds she was able to plant there.

Rosa’s love for music was indescribable. While she enjoyed listening to her favorite hymns and religious songs, she also enjoyed listening to various genres of music such as reggae, soca, calypso and rhythm & blues. She was almost always the first one on the dance floor and most times one of the last to leave, due to her sheer joy for dancing.

To say Rosa loved to travel is an understatement. When she was not “elbow deep” in a church activity or ministry, she was busy traveling to the country of her birth, Honduras, or creating memorable experiences in new destinations.

From walking the Great Wall of China, to exploring the West Coast of Africa, to enjoying siestas in Spain, and completing a pilgrimage to holy Christian sites in Israel, her passport book was almost out of pages because of the many international ports of entry she walked through. From the volcanoes in Hawaii, to an underground mall in Canada, and the beaches of almost every island in the Caribbean, she was always the first to sign up for the next cruise or bus trip departing from Boston or Providence. She kept her suitcase partially packed, as she was always planning her next travel adventure or excursion, even though she had not yet completed the one she was currently on.

Family was always at the core of Rosa’s life. Her love and devotion to her brothers and sisters was matched only by their mutual love and respect for her. She was the bridge between generations, and would always remember to call or send a card if it was someone’s birthday or special occasion. She maintained a close bond with not just her children, grandchildren or siblings, but with all of her nieces, nephews, cousins and many life-long friends. She had a special connection with her friends within the Boston Public School community and continued those friendships throughout her retirement.

Rosa was preceded in death by her parents, aforementioned, her bonus mother, Carmen Reinalda Bodden; brothers: Eric Bodden, Sr., Robert Bodden, Sr. & Hazard Bodden, Jr., and sisters-in-law: Marva Bodden & Federica Solomon.

The sun set on Rosa Elizabeth Bodden on October 13, 2023. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Cheryl and son-in-law, Steve Galloway; grandsons: Randy, Jehlani and Makhi Galloway, great-grandsons: Romello Galloway & Messiah Maldonado; sisters: Claudette (Rosendo) Altamirano, Marlin Anderson, Nelda Bodden Toby, Philippa, Patricia & Xiomara Bodden; brothers: Harold Bodden, Valney (Melida) Bodden & Draper (Yvonne) Bodden, Sr.; bonus sisters: Reina Gordon & Francine St sisters-in-law: Ella Bodden & Anita Malone Clarke; godchildren: Erlinda Bodden & Anthony Taylor; sister cousin: Ciola Gonzalez; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

While our “Dancing Queen” is now dancing with the saints in heaven, Rosa’s quiet, steady and jovial presence will be missed by all who loved and cherished her.

Visitation, Funeral Services, and Burial Services will be open to the public at the request of the family. The family would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

For individuals who would like to attend the services virtually please follow the below link to the McHoul Family Funeral Home’s live streaming services family portal center. Please be aware that there is a five minute delay on all live streams.

https://my.gather.app/remember/rosa-bodden

Services are entrusted to the McHoul Family Funeral, one of Dorchester's original, and oldest funeral homes that continues to remain family owned and operated.