Celebration of Life for Rose Marie Cano

Rose Marie Cano

March 4, 1950 – January 26, 2025

Rose Marie Cano served as the Executive Director of Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center from 1994 to 2011, leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Under her leadership, Plaza de la Raza became a vibrant creative venue that former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called “a gem” of Los Angeles. Rose was a dedicated staff member for over 30 years and collaborated with countless artists and performers during that time. Known for her keen eye for talent, she played an instrumental role in launching the early careers of artists such as Los Lobos. She mentored many and earned profound respect for her contributions to Latino arts and culture that resonated throughout the state. During her tenure, she helped facilitate the first exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s work in Southern California, produced the Nuevo LA Chicano Arts competitions, and spearheaded the center’s Con Sabor Latino series. Rose also established a thriving Youth Mariachi Program, was the driving force of the Latino Arts Network of cultural centers across the state including Hecho en Califas, an unprecedented statewide exhibition of Chicano Art. She significantly stabilized Plaza de la Raza’s operations and as a result, she helped shape the center into the cultural treasure it is today—the longest-running multidisciplinary Latino cultural center in the country.

Rose Cano is survived by her loving family, her brothers Joe Quiñonez, Jesus Quiñonez, Richard Quiñonez and David Quiñonez, her nieces and nephews and the arts community that she loved.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Plaza de la Raza on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 12:00pm.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make a generous donation in Rosemarie Cano's name to Plaza de la Raza at: https://www.plazadelaraza.org/donate  

Condolences for the family can be sent through this site:

https://www.rishermortuary.com/obituaries/rosemarie-cano/#!/TributeWall