Rosemary Clayton

Rose “Rosie Flowers” Clayton passed away peacefully at 3 a.m. on the morning of June 19, 2021. As the morning light revealed itself, there was a bright, warm sun, clear skies, and a light, fresh breeze in the air. It was a perfect day, one in which she was sending a message saying, “Everything is going to be okay.”

Born on April 24th, 1951, she was adopted by James (Deceased) and Antonina (Living) Gattuso as an infant in Camden, NJ. They surrounded her with love and raised her in an old-school Italian family. A family with MANY aunts, uncles and cousins to play with and learn from. From this family lifestyle she also learned to have a huge heart, and later in life that enabled her to form many long-lasting friendships which she absolutely adored.

The apple of her eye was her family and she is survived by her son Russell, daughter-in-law Irene, and three grandchildren: Alejandro, Anais, and Santiago. (She would also consider the 4 dogs we have as surviving grandchildren as well. Sawyer, Pippa, Captain, and Nikova) Her dedication to her family has always been one of unwavering support, advocating education, and doing what she can to help us in any way she could along the way.

Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s for her teen and early 20’s, she was a Flower Power type of gal. She adopted the free spirit attitude of the time and never placed judgement on anyone. She was always ready for an adventure, as well as loved a good song on the radio with the wind in her hair. Her smile was infectious. Her quirky attitude and sense of humor were even better! She was not afraid to take social risks, like having her father AND mother walk her down the aisle at her first wedding. She was a true trend setter.

Her working career was one of success to the highest level. Starting out in early childhood education, she taught elementary school for a few years. However, she quickly moved into her life passion of floral working at Wagon Wheel Flower Shop in Wildwood, NJ. In all my years as her son, I never heard her complain about going to work once. She was the person who did what she loved. Her career in the floral industry is also what earned her the nickname “Rosie Flowers.” In the 1980’s she had a flower shop on 7th and Federal in Philadelphia. Being centrally located in the Italian district of South Philly, many “wise guys” often visited her shop to purchase flowers for their wives or girlfriends, weddings, and funerals. At some point in time one of them referred to her as Rosie Flowers and it stuck for life.

Mom also had a very humorous approach to life where she loved to teach and laugh along the way. Some of the valuable life lessons she passed down were: Never trust birds, especially Blue Jays. However, it is okay to trust and adopt a cat with emotional attachment issues and shower him with love. (She loved all furry animals) For being such a great florist with fresh cut flowers and silks, she killed all live flowers and plants in her garden. Drive slow on the highway, but fast through the neighborhoods. A bowl of peas with butter is a completely acceptable dinner meal as that was one of her favorites. Always be creative. She once mailed a sealed, certified envelop to herself with an idea for a children’s book she wanted to write but never opened it. (We just found this today) She also was not a fan of wasting paper, and surely excelled at keeping all mail received through the mailbox to be thrown away at a later date only after a small avalanche covered up the cat. Be free and dance, especially while in line at the supermarket. Most of all though, most problems in life could be solved with a good conversation over a warm chocolate chip cookie and we all have the power to do anything we want to accomplish.

“Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.”

Little Footprints, Dorothy Ferguson, poet

As a final goodbye, the family asks to please surround Rosie with flowers and plants on her last day with us…as well as support her colleagues in the floral industry. They can be sent to the following location and service:

Forest Park The Woodlands

Funeral Home and Cemetery

18000 Interstate 45 S

The Woodlands, TX 77384

Services will be held July 1st

12-2 pm CST Viewing and Rosary

Burial at 3pm same day.