Condolence: Roseann was one of my best friends. I remember the time we went up to the Top of the Empire State Building. She said to Me, I have lived here all my life and have never been up here.

Condolence: 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

Condolence: Roseanne and I were friends when I lived in Mt. Lodge Park. She was always there when I needed her. We would share our stories about our children and grandchildren over a cup of coffee in my kitchen or over lunch in one of the diners, just 2 old grandmothers doting on our respective families. When I moved, we became telephone buddies and I will miss our chats. It's an old cliche, but time will soften the blow but strengthen the good memories.

Condolence: Dear Roseann, I've known you since you were a little girl. I meet your mom on the Ave A Bus and you were helping her with Angie and Sal. That has been a long time ago and even if years passed without seeing each other, you were always in my thoughts and prayers. As you got older, you became a good friend to me and I only hope you felt the same way about me. You were a good daughter, a caring sister, a great mother, a good friend, and a wonderful strong person. I will miss our phone calls. My condolences to your sons and their families. I know they were everything to you. God Bless and Rest in Peace. Love, Nellie Ball

Condolence: Mom I love and miss so much you will alway's be in my heart and in my pray's everynight. I love you so much the way you were with Joey and Stephanie . Mom you have a heart of gold which will live on for ever .Love you for ever your son Joe

Condolence: Dear Roseann,
I always referred to you as the "Energizer Bunny" and said you had "ants in your pants" because you never sat still. You always wanted to get up and help at family functions. I would tell you to sit and relax because I was worried that you did not feel well. I soon realized you were not able to sit still so I asked you to help with the dishes. I have never seen anyone wash dishes and clean up an entire dining room table so quickly and thoroughly. I will miss your amazing cooking, especially your delicious eggplant parmigiana and stuffed peppers. I always enjoyed the time we spent together. I would call you on the days I worked nearby and you would tell me to go home to my family because you thought I was too busy to stop in. You never wanted to inconvenience anyone. I found it worked better to show up at your apartment unannounced with Dunkin Donuts coffee so we could visit. The only exception was the time you did not answer the door and all the doors and windows were locked. My mother and I panicked and nearly broke into your apartment because we were worried about you. I think your neighbors thought we were crazy. It turned out you were safely staying with Chris and Celia for a few days. You were probably the most strong-willed person I ever knew but that personality trait turned out to be your greatest asset in life. You were a fighter and a survivor through very difficult times. Your strength and determination amazed all of us. You beat the odds on many occasions and came out on top. You were also one of the most loving, family-oriented, and compassionate people I ever knew. You would drop everything to be there for your family and friends. You adored your sons and especially your four grandchildren and other young children in the extended family. You always had a smile on your face when you talked about your grandchildren and you were so proud of them. It was obvious you enjoyed every minute you spent with them. I felt a special bond with you and I will miss you very much. I will hold the special memories we shared in my heart forever.
Lori

Condolence: I can't begin to say how much I will miss you Mom. You are the most unselfish, hard working, forgiving, brave person I know. Your love and protection will always be a part of me.
You have showed me to do what is right. Nothing was too big or too small for you to offer help. You were always there for everyone.
I am grateful for having been with you almost everyday in the recent months. I got to talk to you at night as you fell asleep, and know you were getting the best from the people that loved you the most.
Christopher and Michael love you so much, and will miss you. They were always excited and happy when they knew you were coming to spend the day. It meant so much for them seeing you at the field watching their games and at all of the school events. They always asked if you would be there, and you were. They know how much you love them, and will always remember.
I hope you are at rest and happy. It's time to watch all the good you have done get passed on. No more running around for everyone else, but I'm sure you have already volunteered to help someone. I hope I see you again, because I miss you, and I love You.
Chris

Condolence: You will be missed so much. We go so far back, to when you were young and came up to our house for years with the FreshAir program. And the times I was in NY working for Met. Life and all the fun times we has together. You are in Heaven and God's going to take good care of you. Bob

Condolence: Dear Roseann,

I am so sad that you are no longer with us. I've looked up to you since I was a teenager. I felt like you were the sister I never had. You were the kindest person I know. You were always there for me, even if you were not feeling well yourself. You were the first to get up to do the dishes after an occasion, bring food to a party, show how much you loved us, and unselfishly helped others. I'll miss our visits, our talks, and knowing I could call you just to say hello. Nothing was more important in your life than you sons and their families. I will miss you terribly, but I take comfort in knowing that you are in heaven watching over us. I love you and will miss you. Love, Joanie

Condolence: UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
ROSEANN
Those special memories of you will always bring a smile
If only I could have you back, for just a little while
Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do
you always meant so very much and always will too
The fact that you're no longer here will always cause me pain, but you're forever in my heart
Until we meet again "I love you"