Rosina Antonia (Costa) Stapleton, lovingly referred to by her family and friends as Rosie passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion.
Rosie was born on September 28, 1926, in Fabrizia Italy to the late Francesco and Rafaella Costa. The family migrated from Italy to Claremont New Hampshire in the mid-1930s. Rosie graduated with the class of 1945 from Stevens High School. Upon review of her yearbook, you will find the caption under her picture reads, “Rosie is a little girl with a great big heart”. This quote encapsulates the essence of who she was and the love that she gave to everyone in her life.
Rosie always possessed an impeccable work ethic and held various jobs throughout her life. She spent over 18 years as a supervisor in the Purchasing Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. She then worked for 15 years as a supervisor in the Accounts Receivable Department at the former Fairhaven Leather Corporation where she retired in 1993.
After retirement, she continued to work part-time for her son’s restaurant, The Nephew’s in Freetown, and at her sister’s restaurant Fay’s Knotty Pine, in New Bedford. In her spare time, she enjoyed ceramics, and she was a volunteer for the Inter-church Council in New Bedford. In addition, Rosie volunteered at the Creative Playschool in New Bedford, owned by her daughter-in-law. The children adored her and were always excited when “Nani” would spend time reading stories and playing games. They instantly gravitated toward Rosie’s patience and genuine kindness. She always made them feel like they were the most important person in the world. It’s the kind of love that every child deserves, and Rosie had a natural way of connecting with children.
Rosie was an amazing cook, and it was always a treat to have dinner in her home. She welcomed everyone and she was never flustered if an unexpected guest came for dinner. She would simply add a place setting and make them feel right at home. She especially loved cooking for her family and her greatest joy was when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were gathered together.
She is survived by two daughters, Donna Gassett-Almeida of Florida, and Cheryl Lawton of New Hampshire, as well as two daughter-in-laws, Sandra Stapleton of Massachusetts, and Deborah Stapleton, Jr. of Texas. Rosie was loved by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews who adored her.
Rosie is pre-deceased by her two sons Robert A. Stapleton, Jr. and Ronald A. Stapleton, as well as her two sisters, Fay Dipiro and Maria Cleghorn, and her two brothers, James M. Costa, and Michael B. Costa.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Relatives and friends are invited.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Church, 125 Main Street, Acushnet. A burial will occur at Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven.
For online tribute: www.waring-sullivan.com.
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