Mary Rapoza Rose

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank E. Rose, Jr. and is survived by two daughters, Dr. Debra Haselton (Kent) and Mrs. Sandra Cridlin (Robert) and a grandson, Dr. Cole Cridlin. From her early years as a seamstress, through her decades as a wife, mother, and friend to many, Mary continued to make a new friend every day and never stopped enjoying or learning new things! Her gentle manner, kind heart, and soft smile helped her to form a connection with everyone she met. She was a longstanding member of Cool Spring Baptist Church’s Ruth Class Group.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 6th, 2026 at the Atlee Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, from 11 am until 12 pm; a funeral service will follow beginning at 12 pm. A private committal service will be held at Signal Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in memoriam to the Cool Spring Baptist Church Community Investment Fund that supports community and children’s recreation programs. Cool Spring Baptist Church, 9283 Atlee Station Rd., Mechanicsville, VA. 23116.

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Reflections of Mom (Mary Rapoza Rose)

Mary Agnes Rapoza was born in Tiverton Rhode Island in the summer of 1924 to Mary Lucy Gouveia and Antone Souza Rapoza. With parents having those names, one stood a good chance in life! She was christened as an infant in the Church of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church that she would attend as a child. Mary only went through the 9th grade. At that time the world was still recovering from the effects of World War 1 and soon to enter into the Great Depression. Due to the economic times, she needed to forgo high school and earned a wage working as a live in housekeeper. She developed her ‘neat as a pin’ housekeeping skills very early! One hobby she was able to pursue was roller skating and in 1945 she met a navy sailor, Frank Rose, who was stateside, at the skating rink. Frank always said she tripped him up! She must have known a great thing when she saw it! They were married a short while later before he reported back to duty. She wore a brown suit with a corsage as the justice of the peace in Fall River, Massachusetts married them. Frank and Mary hopped onto a cattle car and rode the train to Richmond, Virginia where she lived with his parents as he continued to serve on a ship in World War II and then the Korean conflict. They eventually settled into a little post-war bungalow with the intent to raise a family. Their hopes of having children were not realized and they decided to seek a child they could adopt. Over time, they were able to “choose” two daughters whom they embraced and loved. Weekdays were spent working hard, Frank as a machinist and Mary as a seamstress in a factory. Saturdays were for house chores, but Sundays were for God. (We did NOT miss church and we could actually walk to Jahnke Road Baptist church in nice weather). Mary was a very talented seamstress and early on she sewed all the clothes for her girls and later taught her daughter to sew, (a skill for which she is very thankful!) Mary always put her family and her girls first and made sure their needs were met, no matter what! In 1972, Frank, Mary and the girls moved to Hanover and joined Cool Spring Baptist Church. While Frank began to teach Sunday School, Mary became active in her Sunday School class and the WMU. She became fast friends with Barbara Fletcher, who took her under her wing in true Barbara fashion and helped her settle into her new church home. Mary loved her church friends and reminisced often about the good times she enjoyed with them. Most of all, she loved Jesus and said more than once she couldn’t wait to see him and be reunited with Frank and all her friends. Mary had many ‘seasons’ to her life. Her final season landed her with a wonderful group of helpers and caregivers at the Westmont. Mama Rose (as she was called by many of the team there) made many new friends at the Westmont and she loved each of them “A Bushel and a Peck” for their own special memories they made with her. Her life was very long, she was well loved and she gave love unconditionally! You can’t ask for more than that! Rest in peace, Mary.

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Debra’s Comments at Mary’s Service

Good (morning) everyone.

For those who may not know me, my name is Debra and I am Mary’s oldest daughter. I am deeply honored to share a few words about my mother, who was not only my parent but also my greatest teacher, protector, and friend.

They say adoption is a journey of love and Mary took that journey with an open heart. She didn’t just become my mother; she chose to be my mother. In doing so, she gave me the greatest gift—a family, a home, and a life filled with love, laughter, and security.

I remember her sewing (she made it look so easy), singing a hymn in the kitchen while ironing, helping me with homework, comforting me when I was sick, and telling me I’d better pick up my toys “or else”. She was firm but fair, incredibly patient and fiercely protective. She taught me the importance of kindness and perseverance and always encouraged me to achieve my dreams. She taught me that family isn’t just about biology— it’s about the nurturing, unwavering support, and unconditional love she gave every single day!

“Mom, it was an honor and a blessing to care for you these past few years. You graciously accepted my help and I treasure all the moments we spent together! You taught me so much!

Mom, we love you more than words can say. Thank you for choosing me. Though we will miss you every day, your love will guide us, and your memory will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, my “little peanut”. “