Rosaria M. A. Nygren

Rosaria (Rose) M. A. Nygren, beloved matriarch of the Nygren family, left us peacefully on September 15, 2024, in Boca Raton, Florida. Born on October 1, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, she lived a robust life of nearly 97 years.

On January 4, 1955, she married the love of her life, Edward Axel Nygren, after meeting him in Palm Beach, Florida. Together, they built a beautiful family in Columbus, Ohio, where Rose became an active member in the community. She was the bookkeeper for the family’s construction business, served as a Girl Scout troop leader and as a member of committees. Later in life, she and Edward moved to Folly Beach, SC, where she volunteered at the local senior center and was on a first name basis with the Post Office staff. Even into her 70s, she thrived in engaging her professors at the College of Charleston, where she embraced the joys of active learning.

Rose's passions were as colorful as her wardrobe. A true fashionista, she delighted in every shade of hair and a vast collection of clothing, shoes, and jewelry. At home, she was always draped in a brightly colored muumuu and metallic slippers. Her love for life extended to hobbies that included playing mahjong and canasta, traveling, attending operas, watching Jeopardy, solving crossword puzzles, and reading. A lover of good food, she had a particular fondness for ravioli, meatballs, ice cream, and biscotti.

Rose is reunited in heaven with her mother, Josephine Bottitta; father, Joe Bottitta; husband, Edward Nygren; son, Robert Nygren; brother, Joseph Bottitta; son-in-law, Gregory Dorsey; and her beloved cat, Socrates. She is survived by her daughters, Victoria Dorsey, Kimberly (Regis) McCafferty, and Lisa Nygren; her brother, Anthony (Hedwig) Bottitta; grandsons, Brian (Stefano), Matthew (Jenny), Alex (Mackenzie), and Christopher (Christina); granddaughter, Ashley (Zak); and great-grandchildren James, Aurora, Olivia, Taylor, and Noah; nieces and nephews, Josephine (Marisa), Stanley (Gudrin), and Natalie (Michael); as well as countless other family and friends.

Celebrate Rose’s life by sipping champagne, watching the sunset over the marsh, playing a Patti LaBelle or Frank Sinatra track a little too loud, singing operas with her favorite tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, making pizzelles, or sharing stories with your loved ones to make sure everyone knows the family’s history.

“Nani” or “NaniRo”, as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Her legacy of kindness, style, and indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed, but forever live on in the memories we share. As she would proclaim in her own unique translation of “Veni, Vidi, Vici” --- “I came, I saw, I left…”

The family has advised there are no current plans for a private service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Rose’s memory to The Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org