I met Rose in 1977 during one of the lowest points in my life. My friends and family had disowned me, yet Rose "just/typically" being Rose, simply accepted me for who I was, and disregarded the trials and tribulations that I was faced with at that time. Instead, Rose befriended me, helped me through that horribly difficult time and, gratefully, remained my friend from that day forward; despite the fact that our lives took two very different paths (i.e.: the demands required by our various jobs, she living in the Bronx and later upstate New York and me in New Jersey, etc.), which made it difficult for both of us to visit/talk as frequently as we would have liked and that, I will always regret! I'd also like to add that in all of the many people that I've met in my lifetime, Rose was a "one-of-a-kind" person, the kind of person that you believe no longer exists, especially in this day and age. Rose was an exceptional, phenominal woman, in the qualities that she possessed, which included her amazing capacity to love and care openly and deeply, her ability to maintain an open mind free of judgement to listen, understand, make suggestions and forgive (when needed), her consistant desire and willingness to always be prepared and ready to help her loved ones, family and friends alike, her tremendous strength to accept all that life has offered/dealt her and to use that same strength to stand and fight when needed, and last but not least, her sharp wit and cunning sense of humor! I know that I had been blessed to have shared a friendship with Rose!! Needless to say, Rose he has left a profound impression on me and I can assure you that I will miss her to my final days! And although Chris, Joey and the grandchildren already know this, I just needed to write it to tell you that you all were Rose's loves of her life!! During all our conversations, we spoke about many, many things; but one and only one topic was certain to be discussed each and every conversation and that was her sons and/or grandchildren. It was always a pleasure to listen to and/or see the "latest and the greatest" news and/or pictures. She was SO proud of you all and loved you with all her heart! Every time she discussed any of you, she literally lit up; and you could just hear and/or see the love and joy that filled her heart, truly!!! And lastly, I'd like to briefly share some personal background. My youngest sister died just over two years ago at the age of 52 after a severely painful bout with cancer, radiation and chemo. As a result, my family and I received numerous condolence cards, notes, etc.; two of which I'd like to share with you in the hope that they will somehow help you, if even in some small way, at this most painful mourning of your great loss (please note that these were the only two condolences that gave my (broken) heart some degree of tolerance of my (horrendously) painful loss, and I hope they will help you and yours also): 1. Grieve not she is no more, but live in gratitude that she was. 2. Safely Home (A poem which intends to assure us that we will be reunited with our loved ones when our time comes). I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder why I so calmly Trod the valley of shade? Oh! But Jesus' love illuminated Every dark and fearful glade. And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh! the joy to see you come! My sincere and heartfelt condolences, Darlene