Rose Banda Brombacher's Obituary
Rose Brombacher Obituary
Rose Banda Brombacher
(July 23, 1963 – September 26, 2024)
“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.”
—Psalms 139:23-24 (AMP)
With deep sadness and abiding love, the family of Rose Banda Brombacher announces her passing on September 26, 2024. Born on July 23, 1963, in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Rose was the ninth of eleven children and the youngest daughter of the late Cecilio Espiritu Banda and the late Procesa Mercado Banda. In 1972, through the petition of her father’s sister, Virginia “Bebing,” and brother-in-law, Gavino “Astor” Herrera, her mother and the remaining siblings’ petition to immigrate was approved, and the family moved to O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, on July 8, to join her father, sister Susan, and brother Fedaldo.
Rose attended Waipahu Elementary, Intermediate, and High School, graduating in 1982. During her high school summers, she worked at the Dole Cannery, meticulously picking out rejected pineapples on the processing line, a job that helped establish her work ethic. Soon after, she traveled to California with her dear friend Naomi Ibarra Cruz to study at San Jose Bible College, forming cherished friendships with many, including Naomi and Sherryl Jew. During one of her visits to southern California, Rose accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1980 with her cousin, Lynn Herrera Sherman, at Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa.
In 1984, she moved in with her beloved Uncle Astor and Aunt Bebing in Garden Grove, California, then later relocated to Irvine with the Herrera sisters. During this time, she and Lynn were baptized. Rose also became involved with Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa’s worship team, joyfully using her voice to praise the Lord. Throughout her life, Rose remained connected to Calvary Chapel, frequently attending their Honolulu, Kaneohe, and West Oahu locations whenever she was home in Hawai‘i, where she also served on the worship team. Rose’s faith journey led her to visit and worship at other congregations as well, including Ewa Beach Assembly of God and Inspire Church, Waikele.
In 1993, through Pastor Chuck Smith, Rose was introduced to her best friend, Judith Gomez-Perez Avilla. The two co-led a singles’ ministry one night in Honolulu, where Judith shared the message and Rose sang a notable performance “Can You Reach My Friend” by Helen Baylor. This marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship, as they became prayer and worship partners who supported each other through all of life’s seasons.
In southern California, Rose began her uniquely diverse career. She worked as an office administrator and researcher at AAA, then returned to Hawai‘i in 1989 and served as a front desk clerk and night auditor at the Continental Surf Hotel in Honolulu. She gained further experience in chiropractic office management, public relations, and administration while working with Dr. Dennis Momyer, Dr. Douglas Teraoka, Dr. Charles Close, and at Leeward Back & Neck Chiropractic, taking on managerial, human resources and finance responsibilities at Tri-Star Health Care. Rose also pursued entrepreneurial ventures with Amway, Xango, InteleTravel, and Juuva.
While living in Germany, Rose was actively involved in a local church youth group and volunteered for TeenStreet, an American organization that brought together teens from all over Europe for a week-long retreat. She also worked in a novelty-souvenir store in her small town, sharing her trademark enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor with both customers and co-workers. Whether in Hawai‘i or Germany—Rose provided caregiving for the sick, elderly, and hospice patients, including, most memorably, a three-day-old foster child. In her final years, she continued this ministry of care for seniors by driving them to appointments and assisting with errands, a lasting testament of her commitment to helping others.
In Kona, Hawai‘i, visiting Judith and her sister Marty, Rose met Detlef Brombacher while supporting friends competing in the Ironman Triathlon. They married on January 8, 2000, at the Sheraton Moana Hotel, where Rose’s father proudly walked her down the aisle—one of her dreams fulfilled. Though their marriage ended, it remained an important chapter of her life.
Rose was a loving mother figure and aunt to many, especially to Mahea and Justin, whom she cherished as her own. They may not have grown under her heart but certainly grew in it. Over time, the bond they shared deepened, and until her last breath, they were her daughter and son, calling her “Mom.” Her warm, nurturing spirit extended to her many nieces and nephews, whom she treated like her own, often taking them on spontaneous “holo holo” excursions around the island. This vibrant and adventurous approach to family was matched by her love of travel; Rose lived between Hawai‘i and the Black Forest region of Germany—with frequent visits to California and the Philippines. When she moved to Germany, she even attended “deutschkurse” to officially learn the language, further showcasing her courageous determined spirit. She journeyed to more than 20 countries, sending postcards, collecting trinkets, and sharing “pasalubong” with her loved ones. A natural storyteller, Rose loved capturing life’s moments in gazillion photographs and writing lengthy, detailed messages—ensuring everyone who read them felt transported into her experiences.
She was passionate when she spoke—some might say “spicy”—especially when it came to injustice. Always ready to champion the underdog, Rose would never hesitate to display her unwavering dedication to addressing injustices; she would be a voice for those who had none. In July 2024, she embarked on her final trip to the Philippines—a journey she held close to her heart. Soon after returning to Germany, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on August 29. In her final weeks, Rose’s dear friend Jeanette provided loving care, surrounding her with compassion and comfort. On September 26, 2024, just four weeks after her diagnosis, Rose went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rose was cremated in Ansbach, Germany, and her remains were brought back to Hawai‘i by her nieces Samantha Rose Scott, Keri Vincent-Bush, and Keri’s daughter, Kaziah. She is preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her beloved siblings:
Brothers and their wives
• Fernando and the late Ester Banda
• Alfonso and Wilfreda Banda
• Fedaldo Banda
• Danilo and Nancy Banda
• Virgilio and Cora Banda
• Cecilio Jr. and Connie Banda
• Arnel and Gloria Banda
• Reylander Banda
Sisters and their husbands
• Teresita and Gamaliel Eleno
• Susan and Felix Domingo
She also leaves behind a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends around the world who were touched by her kindness, laughter, and zest for life. Rose loved to sing karaoke, dance, and worship the Lord, delighting in sharing the gospel with everyone she met. Even in adversity, she found unspeakable joy in her faith.
She always joked about her life being a novel—and that one day she’d write one. We hope we have honored her by sharing her colorful life here.
A celebration of Rose’s life will be held at Mililani Memorial Mauka Chapel, on March 1, 2025, with the following schedule:
? Family Viewing: 9:00 am
? Public Viewing: 9:30 – 10:30 am
? Service: 10:30 – 11:30 am
? Lunch: 11:30 – 12:30 pm
? Burial: 1:00 p.m.
Rose’s legacy of faith, love, and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. In the words of one of her favorite vocalists, Shania Twain:
“Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.
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