Rose, affectionately known as “Rosie” was born in San Antonio, Texas at home on February, 25th, 1938 to Mary Margaret Turner and Ernest Eugene Casanova.
Even though Rose had been struggling with Alzheimer’s for several years, her death was unexpected and sudden. Her family is mourning her loss and misses her greatly. She leaves a vast hole in their hearts, but they will carry her precious memory in their hearts always.
Rose was a loving mother, step-mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Though she worked hard her whole life, she managed to put her family first. When she wasn’t doting on family, Rose enjoyed staying busy with many activities which included gardening, tending to her plants and flowers, and like her Mother, she loved nature. Rose worked at Valero Bill Greehey Refinery here in Corpus Christi until retiring April of 2008 at the age of 70. She was such a go-getter that the month before she retired, she worked a 3-week turnaround on the night shift. She truly enjoyed working with so many people, many who still remember her today for her kindness and hardworking attitude.
Her life changed when her precious Granddaughter Christine Marie Cuellar (William Cuellar) was born. Christine had a very special bond with her grandmother because she was the only grandchild for 10+ yrs. Their bond grew and evolved into such a beautiful relationship in spite of Rose’s Alzheimer’s. Then her first grandson Stephen Wincelowicz was born, bringing more love and joy to Rose’s life. A few years later, Kathryn’s only son Alexander Knowles was born, thus giving Rose three beautiful grandchildren. Rose was also blessed to have one Great Grandson Andrew Cuellar. It was love at first sight the moment he was born. As Andrew grew into a young man, she was his biggest fan during his high school years as he played Varsity Football and Wrestling. Every Friday night you could hear her yell, “Go #76!”. Bill Cuellar (Andrew’s Father) was a huge part of Roses family as well. Even though Christine and Bill divorced, Rose still considered him to be like a grandson to her, always enjoying the time they spent together. The feelings were mutual as Bill is mourning the loss of Rose as well.
Rose remarried and this union gave her two more wonderful children:
Michael Coker (Melanie Coker) of Seguin, Texas and Lisa Marie Coker of San Marcos, Texas. Michael’s 4 children and Lisa’s 5 gave Rose 9 more grandchildren to love. In spite of being their Stepmother, they view her as being their Mom, sharing much love and wonderful memories throughout the years. The family wishes to thank Lisa Marie Coker so very much for her care of Mom in the last few months of her life. She somehow always managed to put a smile on Rose’s face even when no one else could.
Rose was always eager to get out and go! There was no sitting around for her. Whether simply shopping or eating out, she loved being around people. She especially enjoyed the times spent at the YWCA, either with her daughter Kathryn or her granddaughter Christine. She was vibrant and energetic until the disease of Alzheimer’s slowly robbed her of her memory, making it harder for her to recognize her loved ones!
Rose Marie is preceded in death by her parents Mary Margaret Turner and Ernest Eugene Casanova, Brother Ernest Casanova II of San Antonio, TX, and Sister Margie Casanova of Austin, Texas. Also her first husband and children’s father, Bobby Joe Knowles.
Rose leaves her memory to be cherished by her beloved children and step children, Debra Molina (Javier), Kathryn Sparck, Michael Coker (Melanie), Lisa Marie Coker. Three grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and One very loved great-grandson.
Also surviving are many nieces and nephews whom she cared for with all her heart ( and they know who they are!!) and many friends who grew to love her as we did.
Memorial Service will be celebrated at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors on Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
