Laredo Park Renamed to Honor Sister Rosemary Welsh

Community leaders and residents gathered to rename Las Blancas Park after the longtime advocate and missionary.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Webb County has renamed Las Blancas Park to Sister Rosemary Welsh Park, honoring the Sister of Mercy's nearly six decades of service and advocacy in Laredo's colonias and beyond. Welsh, who returned to Laredo in 1992 after missionary work in Central America, has been a tireless champion for community health, education, and collaboration in the region.

Why it matters

The renaming of the park is a testament to Sister Rosemary Welsh's profound impact on the Laredo community over the past three decades. As a nurse, missionary, and advocate, Welsh has worked tirelessly to improve access to healthcare and social services, particularly in the city's underserved colonia neighborhoods along Highway 359.

The details

The park renaming was brought forward by Webb County Commissioner Rosaura 'Wawi' Tijerina and approved by Commissioners Court. Welsh helped organize some of the area's first community health fairs at the park's location in the early 1990s, securing nearly $1 million in grant funding for mobile health services after residents advocated for their needs. Welsh has championed causes ranging from breast cancer awareness to domestic violence prevention during her decades of work in Laredo.

  • In 1992, Welsh returned permanently to Laredo after missionary work in Central America.
  • In December 1992, Welsh helped organize one of the area's first large-scale health fairs at the park location.
  • This past week, Webb County officially renamed Las Blancas Park to Sister Rosemary Welsh Park.

The players

Sister Rosemary Welsh

A Sister of Mercy who has dedicated nearly six decades to advocacy and outreach in Laredo's colonia communities, particularly along the Highway 359 corridor.

Rosaura 'Wawi' Tijerina

A Webb County Commissioner who brought forward the proposal to rename the park in honor of Sister Rosemary Welsh.

Jesse Gonzalez

A Webb County Commissioner who has collaborated with Sister Rosemary Welsh through Mercy Ministries and during his time with the Webb County Sheriff's Office.

Melissa Cigarroa

A Laredo City Councilmember who has known Sister Rosemary Welsh for over three decades.

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What they’re saying

“You have touched a lot of hearts. Words cannot express how deeply the community feels about you.”

— Rosaura 'Wawi' Tijerina, Webb County Commissioner (lmtonline.com)

“Anything that has to do with Sister Rosemary Welsh is a big impact in our community: Webb County, Laredo, you name it. She's been a huge advocate for so many different things here.”

— Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner (lmtonline.com)

“She would rather that you focus on the work that she does and the purpose that it serves. It is incumbent upon all of us to try to act like Sister does in even the smallest of ways so that we can become a better community.”

— Melissa Cigarroa, Laredo City Councilmember (lmtonline.com)

“Honor our differences, and remember the why of what we do. Good today, but better tomorrow.”

— Sister Rosemary Welsh (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

The newly named Sister Rosemary Welsh Park will serve as an ongoing reminder of the longtime advocate's impact and the importance of continued community collaboration in Laredo.

The takeaway

Sister Rosemary Welsh's decades of service, compassion, and tireless advocacy in Laredo's underserved communities have left an indelible mark, inspiring others to follow her example of selfless community-building and cross-sector partnership.