Elizabeth Feliciano-Rosa

Elizabeth (Liz) Feliciano Rosa, daughter of Aida Diaz-Sustache and the late Francisco Feliciano entered this world on New Year’s Day, 1970. Our sweet spirited, loving and brilliant Liz entered into eternal life on March 14, 2024. Liz was a lifelong learner who was committed to her education. As a true New Yorker, Liz began her higher education in the City University of New York (CUNY) system by earning her associate degree from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and then, as a young mom and wife, earning her bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York. Liz then completed a master’s degree in education from Montclair State University in Special Education, and a Bilingual Education Certification from New Jersey City University. All of Liz’s educational pursuits ensured she became the consummate teacher, consultant and soon to be college professor. Liz’s expertise in bilingual special education was highly sought and students, parents and colleagues alike benefitted from the high bar she set for herself. Liz had the rare ability of being able to see and develop the potential in the most reticent of children. Her deep love for her community and her work made her innovative and relational in a way that supported her students (and often their families) to believe in themselves more than they thought possible. Another testament to who Liz was, were the meaningful relationships she had with her colleagues. Liz was a respected and admired teacher within the Englewood Public School District. She will be greatly missed by her students and staff at Dr. John Grieco Elementary school. While Liz was still enjoying her career in the Englewood Public Schools, she was very excited to expand her reach in a new position as an adjunct professor at Bergen Community College teaching adults. Liz saved the best of herself for her family. Liz and her husband Henry shared a love story for the ages and from that love came their three daughters Jasmine, Desiree and Yakira. Liz was a true Mama Bear, and if you ever spent time with Liz, you quickly learned what her life’s mission was; to love, listen to, and support her husband and her daughters. As demanding as her work could be, her dedication to her children and their pursuits were her priority. Liz was not only present for them physically and emotionally, she was intentional in her mothering. She was their loudest and proudest cheerleader-attending every game they played, as well as being the best listener. Liz made sure they could flourish by way of being rooted in her love for them. This love has manifested in the beautiful and purpose driven adults her children have become. Liz cherished being promoted to Nini and would often share that her grandchildren, Kalani and Nico were “true gifts.” Liz believed she was seeing the world anew through their eyes. She treasured and was inspired by every moment she experienced with them. Liz shared her love of nature and art with Kalani and Nico, taking them on walking expeditions and setting up lots of painting sessions. Liz was thrilled at her grandchildren becoming student athletes like her daughters and attended all of their sporting events as well. Liz warmly embraced Jasmine’s husband Nick DiGirolamo and Desiree’s fiancé Matthew (Matt) Sabino as the “two sons she never had.” Liz was an indomitable spirit who could best be described as a beach loving-NYC-Proud Puerto Rican who loved people, animals, and the great outdoors. Liz advocated for all living things-including her four legged fur babies-Scooby, Crispy, Moose, and Mango. She had a deep respect for humanity and therefore brought out the best in all of us. While the world is dimmer in her absence, we have a responsibility to be inspired by her life of service and devotion. In honor of Liz, work to find your own joy, contentment, and peace within, then share it with the world as she did. Liz leaves a legacy of love in her husband Henry Rosa, daughters Jasmine, Desiree, and Yakira, her grandchildren Kalani and Nico, her mother Aida Diaz-Sustache, a host of nieces, cousins and an untold number of loved ones and friends. Grief is love persevering. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 5-9PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ. Chapel service from 5:30-6 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the ASPCA would be greatly appreciated by the family. www.aspca.org/ways-to-give For more information or to visit Liz’s tribute page, please visit www. volkleber.com