Rose Paula Montali

Rose Paula Montali (née Lembach), age 67, passed away on June 26, 2025, after many years of courageously facing kidney disease among other health issues, she is now pain free in heaven reunited with her many loved ones who have gone before her. Born on May 26, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, Rose was the eldest of six siblings and spent 60 years in her hometown before moving to Columbus to live with her daughter Jenna, son-in-law Aaron, and their growing family. Rose was many things in life—a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend—but her favorite title by far was “Grandma.” She was the proud grandmother to seven grandchildren—Austin (21), Gabby (13), Greg (12), Cooper (8), Hayden (7), Wyatt (4), and Patrick (1)—with two more on the way due soon. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and love of her life, Gregory Montali; her parents, Joseph and Lucille Lembach; her brother Erich Lembach; and her dearest friend, Pearl Heckman. She is survived by her children Joanna (Marcus), Jillian (Patrick), Jenna (Aaron) and Will, & siblings—Sue (David), Marty (Holly), Joey, and Annie—nieces and nephews Nick and Steve Machoukas, Alexa, Nick, Victoria, Michael, Tessa, and Paulina Lembach, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. Rose was a homemaker who raised four children and was deeply rooted in the Richmond Heights community. Whether volunteering at Richmond Heights Shark or Lake Erie Silver Dolphin swim meets, school functions, or church, she was the kind of mom who showed up—always and put her kids before anything else in life. An exceptional cook and baker, Rose’s kitchen was a place of warmth and love. Her famous pizzelles, pound cake, Christmas cookies, and homemade sauce and meatballs brought joy to countless holidays and gatherings. She had a deep love for collecting cookbooks and trying new recipes, but it was her generous spirit that made every meal, holiday, birthday and ordinary day feel special. A diehard Cleveland sports fan, she proudly supported the Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers—and was a day-one superfan of LeBron James. In her final moments we had Tom Hamilton playing in the hospital so she could hear one last game. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: a hot cup of coffee with her best friend Pearl, toast with butter, a fresh piece of fruit, or any bakery treat. Rose had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued. She saw the best in everyone and made everyone around her feel like a million bucks. To know her was to love her—and truly, everyone did. Rose’s life was defined by unconditional love, generosity, and grace. The legacy she leaves behind—in her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched—is one to be deeply proud of. Her spirit will live on in every kitchen filled with laughter, every grandchild’s smile, and every act of quiet kindness. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DiCicco & Sons Funeral Home, 5975 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights, OH 44124. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, 5384 Wilson Mills Rd., Highland Heights, OH 44143. Interment Knollwood Cemetery. The family kindly asks that donations be made in Rose’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation.