Rose Ann Holtman

Rose Ann Holtman, age 81, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2013. She is survived by her loving husband Richard, her children Diane, Linda, Sandy, Rich, Geri and Frances, their spouses, her grandchildren, sister Elizabeth, brothers Marco, Jerry and Michael, as well as family and friends.

Bambi eyed and raven tressed, beautiful Rose was born in Harrison, New York on February 20, 1932 into the Italian immigrant home of Patsy and Teresa (DePinto) Bisceglia. It was a large and boisterous clan. Rose was little sister to Arcangela, Mary, Frances and Elizabeth and big sister to and second mother to brothers Jerry, Marco and Michael. From her parents and siblings, Rose learned early and well the importance of love and family. She was feistily proud of her Italian heritage, her Catholic faith, her town named Harrison and most of all, the name Bisceglia. Rose was elected to the Harrison High School Hall of Fame, where she was famous for her infectious smile and sparkling eyes.

Rose came to Seattle in January 1953 to help her sister Fran with the care of Fran's first born child. She took employment at the downtown Sears store. There this gregarious, fun loving Italian girl met a tall reserved and keenly intelligent man: her future husband Richard Holtman. They were a perfect match. And though they didn't know it at the time, theirs' was a love affair that would last 60 years. Richard was out of the service and starting college. Fran asked Rich to chauffer her engaged (to another man) sister Rose to come babysit Fran's new son Mark. Unbeknownst to Richard, the engagement was called off and soon enough Rose convinced Richard to let her practice for the Washington State driver's license test in his car. But it was on a rainy day with Rose at the wheel that Richard learned what Rose was really after: marriage.

In their Ballard apartment time flew as both Rose and Richard worked and Richard studied engineering. Soon Rose's circle of love grew with the arrival of Diane, followed by Linda, Sandy, Rich, Geri and Frances. The circle grew even bigger with daughter-in-law Cathy and sons-in-law Jim R., Kyle, Tom, Jim J., and Eric. And then there were grandchildren: Matt, Emily, Gabriel, Ben, Nick, Corey, Chad, Tyler, Sarah, Aidan and Frances. Later there would be great grandchildren with the arrival of Olivia, Penelope, Zari and Lucas. And of course there were always, nieces, nephews, siblings and wonderful friends. Rose loved and delighted in her family and friends.

Rose was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 14 years ago. Yet even in this darkness, her eyes sparkled brighter and her smile warmed our hearts more deeply. She was lovingly attended to by her man "Mr. Rich" for many years. When more care was needed Rose moved to an adult family home down the street. There, Flo and her many helpers took Rosie in as their own and ministered to her needs faithfully up to her last breath. It was at Flo's home where every day for over eight years the ever faithful always loving "Mr. Rich" would come for a date with his girlfriend. Some days, weather permitting, "Mr. Rich" would take his girlfriend to the park. Warmed there by the afternoon sun and with a slight breeze shimmering the water, Rosie and Richard would watch ducks dance in the pond; turtles swim and listen to the joyous cacophony of children at play. This same park where Rosie had delighted in her grandchildren while they played so many years before.

And it was in this park, during these quiet moments together, with the soft breeze blowing and God's sun glistening through Alder leaves that Rose and her "Mr. Rich" taught their family Life's Great Lesson. For humbly, poignantly and yet ever so beautifully, they taught us the true measure of devotion and love. They taught us so beautifully the meaning of the words "with this ring, I thee wed."

And then quietly, softly, so peacefully, Rose left us. On the wings of angels at daybreak's first light, she was taken to God. Rose who loved so deeply and so well, was so deeply loved. By her man "Mr. Rich." By all of us. And we give thanks to God for the beauty, fun, joy, love and amazing miracle that was and is Rosie.