Rosalia Labastida de Coney 2

Rosalia Labastida de Coney (September 25, 1844 – February 18, 1897) was instrumental in bringing the heart of Dr. Ygnacia Herrera Y Cairo to Oakland, California for burial. Herrera Y Cairo was the ex-governor of Jalisco, Mexico, and was considered "a martyr to the cause of freemasonry". His dying request was that he be buried in a Masonic cemetery.

Rosalia's husband was Alexander K. Coney (April 1, 1847 – 1930), who had been consul general for Mexico. She was also the foster mother of the acclaimed California artist Xavier Martinez, who designed the plaque(s) on her tomb.

Death and Burial

When Rosalia died in 1897, numerous Mexican and Mason societies escorted her remains from San Francisco and oversaw her burial. Every Mason present left a red rose upon her grave. 1 Her remains are next to the massive marker under which Dr. Herrera Y Cairo's heart lies.

Rosalia Labastida de Coney tomb, Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, California JL

Rosalia Labastida de Coney tomb, Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, California JLRosalia Labastida de Coney plaque on tomb, Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, California JL

References (for future research)

  • "Red Roses of Free Masonry" from the San Francisco Examiner, June 14, 1897.
  • "TRIBUTE TO A NOBLE WOMAN - Veteran Masons at the Tomb of Mrs. Coney" from the San Francisco Chronicle, June 11, 1897.
  • "MASONIC OBSEQUIES - Entombment of the Beloved Rosalia La Bastida de Coney. She Carried the Heart of Herrera y Cairo to This City" from the Oakland Enquirer, June 12, 1897.
  • (in Spanish) "Rosalia LaBastida de Coney" from the San Francisco El Comercio, February 20, 1897.
  • (in Spanish) "Funeral de la Sra. dona Rosalia LaBastida de Coney." from the San Francisco El Comercio, February 27, 1897.
  • "A MEXICAN HEROINE ENTOMBED IN STATE. MME. ROSALIE DE CONEY. SHE WAS THE MASONS' SACRED MESSENGER. Brought the Heart of the Martyr Herrara to the United States." from the San Francisco Chronicle, June 14, 1897.

Links and References

  1. Beneath Roses and Her Bible San Francisco Call, June 14, 1897.2.
  2. OMCA Collections from anonymous donor
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