Rose was born in Yonkers, New York. She moved with her family to Southern California as a teenager. As a young adult, she worked many jobs throughout Burbank while raising her daughters. During this time, she also opened a children’s consignment store called Rose’s Kiddie Closet. In her late 40s, she decided to move to North Carolina with the hopes of having more land and a farm and continuing her business in children’s clothing.
Rose truly had a green thumb. Her home was always filled with beautiful plants that no one else could grow. She also had a love for animals. She rescued many strays and provided for all creatures that crossed her path.
Rose had a heart for helping others. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking and serving her friends and family. Rose had mastered her meatball recipe and loved cooking for her loved ones.
In her spare time, Rose most enjoyed her time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. They would lovingly refer to her as “Grandma Grandma” and “Grandma Rose.” She would meet them at the bus afterschool and spend the entire afternoon with them showering them with food and love.
Rose was preceded in death by her father, Frank J. Kelly. She leaves behind her mother, Rita Rizzo Kelly; children, Jennifer Stevens (Andy Anderson) and Amanda (Chris) Barber; grandchildren, Jessica Stevens, Nathaniel “Nate” Stevens, Jennifer Barber, and Kaitlyn Barber; great grandchildren, Brandon Stevens and Emma Van Nugteren; siblings, Kathleen (James) Brannan and Michael (Deveney) Kelly; nephews, Ryan (Jessica) Brannan, Christopher Brannan, and Ian Kelly; great niece, Logan Brannan; great nephew, Hayden Brannan; and many other loved ones and friends.
Memorial Contributions can be made in Rose’s honor to the Forsyth County Humane Society.
