REFERENCE TITLE: Honorable Rosa Mroz; death resolution

 

 

 

 

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

 

 

 

HCR 2041

 

Introduced by

Representatives Butler: Liguori

 

 

A Concurrent Resolution

 

 on the death of the honorable judge rosa mroz.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 


The Honorable Judge Rosa Mroz, esteemed judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court, passed away on February 5, 2022.

Born as Peng Shao Ching in Taiwan, Rosa immigrated with her family to the United States when she was seven years old and spent her childhood in Illinois, New York, and Florida. She became a naturalized American citizen when she turned 18 years of age, the words of the judge who presided over her ceremony sparking her interest in law and the judiciary.

Rosa enrolled at the University of Hawaii where she met Robert Mroz, and they soon became inseparable. They moved to Arizona in 1985, where Rosa obtained her accounting degree at Arizona State University (ASU), and married in 1987. After working as an accountant for several years, Rosa enrolled in what is now the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU.  She went on to serve as a law clerk at the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals, later practicing law at two prestigious law firms, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, and the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

In 2004, Governor Napolitano appointed Rosa to the superior court in Maricopa County, the first Asian American woman to serve on that bench.  Rosa distinguished herself as an outstanding public servant throughout her lifetime, serving in family court, probate, civil, and criminal assignments.  She also served as Probate Presiding Judge, where she helped devise comprehensive and essential statewide reforms.  A mentor to many, Rosa responded with enthusiasm to any query, no matter how small or large.

Despite the rigors of her service on the bench, Judge Mroz gave generously of her time, energy, and talents to many charitable endeavors.  She worked to champion causes of diversity and to uplift the careers of young judges.  She was also an active member of the local Asian American legal community and the Arizona Women Lawyers' Association and served on many justice-related commissions, task forces, and committees.  An admired and gifted jurist, Rosa received numerous commendations and awards, including the Trailblazer Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Herself the daughter of a dedicated mother, Rosa was that and more for her treasured children, Sarah and Tommy. No matter how late she worked, she would check their homework after dinner and if they were working into the early morning hours, she was awake with them. Along with Rob, Rosa attended every game or other school or scouting event. Other parents always knew her as Rosa, not as a judge with a national reputation for excellence.  While her career was important, Rosa was most proud of her love she shared with her husband Rob and the joy they both shared in raising their beautiful children. Love of family and friends was her greatest accomplishment.

A pillar of the legal community, loyal friend, and devoted wife and mother, Rosa will be deeply missed by her husband, Robert, her children, Sarah and Tommy, her mother, Nancy, her brother, David, and her extended family and many friends and colleagues.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature express sincere regret at the passing of the Honorable Judge Rosa Mroz and extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and many friends.