Rosie was born in Temuco, Chile, to Rosa Quintriquero Nahuelan and Mariano Elgueta Quinchavil. She spent her early years surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Chile, a land of mountains, forests, lakes, and volcanoes, and a country of which she remained deeply proud throughout her life.
Early Life and Education
After graduating from high school, Rosie felt called to attend the Baptist Theological Seminary in Santiago, Chile, to prepare herself to serve God and help others. While at seminary, she began to sense that God was leading her toward a different path of service: nursing.
Rosie answered that calling. After receiving a scholarship to study nursing, she left Chile in 1961 and traveled to Asunción, Paraguay, where she enrolled in the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated on November 30, 1963.
Her leadership and clinical abilities were quickly recognized, and following graduation she remained at the school, serving as a clinical instructor and assistant director from 1963 to 1968.
Those early decisions to follow God’s call, leave her homeland, and devote herself to nursing set the course for a lifetime of caring for and serving others.
Nursing Career in the United States
While attending nursing school in Asunción, Rosie met Tom and Anita Green and their family, who were serving as Southern Baptist missionaries in Paraguay. A friendship began to bloom between Rosie and the Green family, one that would deepen over the years and ultimately become a lifelong bond.
In 1968, Rosie moved to the United States with the assistance of Tom Green, who helped her make the transition to Houston so she could continue her nursing career. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in the early 1980s.
Although Rosie arrived as a fully trained and experienced nurse, she was required to meet Texas licensing standards and improve her English proficiency. During this transition period, she worked as an LVN at Baptist Hospital in downtown Houston while diligently studying English and preparing for the Texas nursing licensure examinations.
That first year was one of intense discipline and perseverance. Rosie balanced demanding hospital shifts with dedicated study, determined to advance her career. Her hard work culminated in a solo trip to Austin, where she took the Texas State Board examinations. She passed and became a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
Rosie then returned to Baptist Hospital as a registered nurse, beginning a long and devoted career with the institution. As the hospital evolved over the years, becoming Memorial Hospital and later Memorial Hermann, her commitment to her patients and profession remained constant.
As an ICU nurse, Rosie became a cornerstone of the hospital’s nursing culture. She precepted and mentored generations of nurses, many of whom went on to become senior staff. Known for always wearing white, she was a strong advocate
Rosie was equally devoted to her colleagues. She often volunteered to work early Christmas morning shifts so others could spend the holiday with their families. While her standards were high and her feedback direct, those who worked with her understood that her guidance came from a deep desire to help others grow.
In 1993, she received the Annual Clinical Nursing Excellence Award in recognition of her skill, compassion, and dedication. She continued serving until her retirement, completing a remarkable nursing career that spanned decades.
Volunteer Service and Community Impact
Retirement did not slow Rosie’s commitment to service. She continued volunteering until 2025, proving that caring for others was not just her profession, but her lifelong calling.
She returned to Memorial Hermann Southwest as a volunteer, serving the community for approximately 19 years and contributing an extraordinary 8,232 volunteer hours. She also served as scholarship chair and co-chair for about four years, helping support and encourage future healthcare professionals.
Rosie spent many hours in the ICU waiting room, offering comfort, presence, and reassurance to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her calm and compassionate presence brought peace where there was often fear and uncertainty.
Her dedication to health and service also extended to the Bradshaw Athletic Center, where she embraced fitness with the same determination she brought to nursing. She worked out six days a week and volunteered at the fitness center, checking blood pressures and educating members about conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
At 4’11”, Rosie was small in stature but strong in spirit. She was a fierce competitor in her age group and an inspiration to all who knew her. Even in fitness, she remained a nurse at heart, always seeking ways to care for others.
Personal Life and Faith
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Rosie lived a life rich in faith, friendship, and love.
On Sundays, she could be found at her home church, Houston’s First Baptist Church, where she worshiped faithfully and shared deep bonds with a close circle of women who became an important part of her life.
One of Rosie’s greatest joys was babies. She delighted in them and cared for the children of friends and loved ones as if they were her own. She was even present for the births of babies born to close friends. Though she never married or had children, she poured a mother’s love into generations of children who were blessed by her affection.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Quintriquero Nahuelan and Mariano Elgueta Quinchavil. She is survived by her brothers, Manuel Elgueta Quintriquero and Daniel Elgueta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also leaves behind the Tom Green family, who loved her as their own and were honored to call her family.
Legacy
Rosie lived a life defined by extraordinary service, discipline, and compassion. A devoted nurse, mentor, and friend, she spent her life caring for others with strength, humility, and unwavering dedication. Her legacy is one of faith in action, seen in every patient she cared for, every nurse she trained, and every life she quietly uplifted.
Rosie’s life was one of extraordinary service and unwavering love for others. From patients she cared for, to nurses she mentored, to families she comforted, to friends and children she embraced, she gave of herself fully and without hesitation.
Her absence leaves a profound void, but her legacy endures in every life she touched.
Those who knew and loved Rosie are encouraged to honor her memory by living as she did: care for your health, care for one another, serve when you are able, and love God and others generously.
Acknowledgments
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rosie’s many faithful friends who surrounded her with love and companionship during her time at Quality Living Group. Your visits and friendship brought her comfort and joy beyond measure.
Special thanks to Dr. Hilda Eagleton and the caring staff at Quality Living for their kindness, compassion, and devoted care. You helped make Rosie’s home a place of safety, dignity, and love during the last two months of her life.
The family is also deeply grateful to Constellation Hospice, with special thanks to Dawn, Ginger, and Eneyshia, for the compassion, comfort, and gentle care they provided to Rosie during the final season of her life. Your kindness and support were a gift to Rosie and to all who loved her.
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rosie’s memory to one of the organizations that held a special place in her life.
Mission Fund at Tallowood Baptist Church
Donations may be made in any of the following ways:
By email:
akeeler@tallowood.org
By text:
Text “Tallowood” to 77977
By check:
Tallowood Baptist Church
555 Tallowood Rd
Houston, TX 77024
Please indicate “Mission Fund honorarium for Rosa Elgueta” in the memo section of the check.
Bradshaw Fitness Center
Donations may also be made to the Bradshaw Fitness Center:
Please select the “tribute” option and include “BFC” in the comments.
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Auxiliary
Donations in Rosie’s memory may also be made by check to:
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Auxiliary
or
MHSWH Auxiliary
Mail to:
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
C/O Volunteer Services
7600 Beechnut St
Houston, TX 77074
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at 11:00 AM at:
Tallowood Baptist Church
555 Tallowood Rd
Houston, TX 77024
A reception will follow the service.
Services
Memorial Service
Wed. Aug. 26, 2026
11:00 am
Tallowood Baptist Church
555 Tallowood Drive
Houston , TX 77024.
Tallowood Baptist Church
Houston , TX 77024.
Rosie was born in Temuco, Chile, to Rosa Quintriquero Nahuelan and Mariano Elgueta Quinchavil. She spent her early years surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Chile, a land of mountains, forests, lakes, and volcanoes, and a country of which she remained deeply proud throughout her life.
Early Life and Education
After graduating from high school, Rosie felt called to attend the Baptist Theological Seminary in Santiago, Chile, to prepare herself to serve God and help others. While at seminary, she began to sense that God was leading her toward a different path of service: nursing.
Rosie answered that calling. After receiving a scholarship to study nursing, she left Chile in 1961 and traveled to Asunción, Paraguay, where she enrolled in the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated on November 30, 1963.
Her leadership and clinical abilities were quickly recognized, and following graduation she remained at the school, serving as a clinical instructor and assistant director from 1963 to 1968.
Those early decisions to follow God’s call, leave her homeland, and devote herself to nursing set the course for a lifetime of caring for and serving others.
Nursing Career in the United States
While attending nursing school in Asunción, Rosie met Tom and Anita Green and their family, who were serving as Southern Baptist missionaries in Paraguay. A friendship began to bloom between Rosie and the Green family, one that would deepen over the years and ultimately become a lifelong bond.
In 1968, Rosie moved to the United States with the assistance of Tom Green, who helped her make the transition to Houston so she could continue her nursing career. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in the early 1980s.
Although Rosie arrived as a fully trained and experienced nurse, she was required to meet Texas licensing standards and improve her English proficiency. During this transition period, she worked as an LVN at Baptist Hospital in downtown Houston while diligently studying English and preparing for the Texas nursing licensure examinations.
That first year was one of intense discipline and perseverance. Rosie balanced demanding hospital shifts with dedicated study, determined to advance her career. Her hard work culminated in a solo trip to Austin, where she took the Texas State Board examinations. She passed and became a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
Rosie then returned to Baptist Hospital as a registered nurse, beginning a long and devoted career with the institution. As the hospital evolved over the years, becoming Memorial Hospital and later Memorial Hermann, her commitment to her patients and profession remained constant.
As an ICU nurse, Rosie became a cornerstone of the hospital’s nursing culture. She precepted and mentored generations of nurses, many of whom went on to become senior staff. Known for always wearing white, she was a strong advocate
for her patients, encouraging them to walk, bathe, and regain strength as essential steps in recovery. She also taught countless nurses the fundamentals of bedside care and the deeper meaning of compassionate service.
Rosie was equally devoted to her colleagues. She often volunteered to work early Christmas morning shifts so others could spend the holiday with their families. While her standards were high and her feedback direct, those who worked with her understood that her guidance came from a deep desire to help others grow.
In 1993, she received the Annual Clinical Nursing Excellence Award in recognition of her skill, compassion, and dedication. She continued serving until her retirement, completing a remarkable nursing career that spanned decades.
Volunteer Service and Community Impact
Retirement did not slow Rosie’s commitment to service. She continued volunteering until 2025, proving that caring for others was not just her profession, but her lifelong calling.
She returned to Memorial Hermann Southwest as a volunteer, serving the community for approximately 19 years and contributing an extraordinary 8,232 volunteer hours. She also served as scholarship chair and co-chair for about four years, helping support and encourage future healthcare professionals.
Rosie spent many hours in the ICU waiting room, offering comfort, presence, and reassurance to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her calm and compassionate presence brought peace where there was often fear and uncertainty.
Her dedication to health and service also extended to the Bradshaw Athletic Center, where she embraced fitness with the same determination she brought to nursing. She worked out six days a week and volunteered at the fitness center, checking blood pressures and educating members about conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
At 4’11”, Rosie was small in stature but strong in spirit. She was a fierce competitor in her age group and an inspiration to all who knew her. Even in fitness, she remained a nurse at heart, always seeking ways to care for others.
Personal Life and Faith
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Rosie lived a life rich in faith, friendship, and love.
On Sundays, she could be found at her home church, Houston’s First Baptist Church, where she worshiped faithfully and shared deep bonds with a close circle of women who became an important part of her life.
One of Rosie’s greatest joys was babies. She delighted in them and cared for the children of friends and loved ones as if they were her own. She was even present for the births of babies born to close friends. Though she never married or had children, she poured a mother’s love into generations of children who were blessed by her affection.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Quintriquero Nahuelan and Mariano Elgueta Quinchavil. She is survived by her brothers, Manuel Elgueta Quintriquero and Daniel Elgueta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also leaves behind the Tom Green family, who loved her as their own and were honored to call her family.
Legacy
Rosie lived a life defined by extraordinary service, discipline, and compassion. A devoted nurse, mentor, and friend, she spent her life caring for others with strength, humility, and unwavering dedication. Her legacy is one of faith in action, seen in every patient she cared for, every nurse she trained, and every life she quietly uplifted.
Rosie’s life was one of extraordinary service and unwavering love for others. From patients she cared for, to nurses she mentored, to families she comforted, to friends and children she embraced, she gave of herself fully and without hesitation.
Her absence leaves a profound void, but her legacy endures in every life she touched.
Those who knew and loved Rosie are encouraged to honor her memory by living as she did: care for your health, care for one another, serve when you are able, and love God and others generously.
Acknowledgments
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rosie’s many faithful friends who surrounded her with love and companionship during her time at Quality Living Group. Your visits and friendship brought her comfort and joy beyond measure.
Special thanks to Dr. Hilda Eagleton and the caring staff at Quality Living for their kindness, compassion, and devoted care. You helped make Rosie’s home a place of safety, dignity, and love during the last two months of her life.
The family is also deeply grateful to Constellation Hospice, with special thanks to Dawn, Ginger, and Eneyshia, for the compassion, comfort, and gentle care they provided to Rosie during the final season of her life. Your kindness and support were a gift to Rosie and to all who loved her.
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rosie’s memory to one of the organizations that held a special place in her life.
Mission Fund at Tallowood Baptist Church
Donations may be made in any of the following ways:
By email:
akeeler@tallowood.org
By text:
Text “Tallowood” to 77977
By check:
Tallowood Baptist Church
555 Tallowood Rd
Houston, TX 77024
Please indicate “Mission Fund honorarium for Rosa Elgueta” in the memo section of the check.
Bradshaw Fitness Center
Donations may also be made to the Bradshaw Fitness Center:
Please select the “tribute” option and include “BFC” in the comments.
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Auxiliary
Donations in Rosie’s memory may also be made by check to:
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Auxiliary
or
MHSWH Auxiliary
Mail to:
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
C/O Volunteer Services
7600 Beechnut St
Houston, TX 77074
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at 11:00 AM at:
Tallowood Baptist Church
555 Tallowood Rd
Houston, TX 77024
A reception will follow the service.
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