Rose Marie Vieira

The oldest of five children, Rose was born to William and Anne Gallagher on November 5, 1928 in Harwood Mines, PA. She spent a good portion of her childhood hiking in the woods, picking wild huckleberries and sitting outdoors under a tree reading. That was the start of her becoming an avid reader all her life.

Her grandmother, who she loved deeply, was her best friend who was always there to provide good advice as she grew up. As a preteen, Rose decided that the public school system was lacking and, without telling her parents, walked into town and got herself enrolled in the Catholic grammar school.

As she grew older, Rose's caring and empathetic nature led her to a career in nursing. She obtained her nursing degree at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. After graduating from nursing school Rose headed off to New York City to make a career for herself. She worked for many years as a compassionate and caring Registered Nurse at St. Clares Hospital and worked there for her entire professional career, retiring in 1991 as a highly regarded hospital supervisor.

Rose met her lifelong partner, Joseph Vieira, at St. Clares and they were married in 1952. Between working full-time and as a night supervisor and raising three children, Rose's life was very busy. She always found time to devoutly practice her faith and have a great devotion to God.

In 1991, Rose, Joe and their daughter, Anne, moved to Fresno to be closer to their daughter, Mary and her husband Oleh and their four children. Right away the grandchildren were the light of her life. She was very involved in their lives and the grandkids loved their "Grandma Rose". After the grandkids left home, there were always phone calls to Grandma Rose, seeking advice, wisdom and humor.

A warm and giving person, Rose was active in numerous charitable organizations and continued to maintain a busy social life with her family, many friends and hobbies. As busy and hectic as her life still was, God decided that her coming home to Him should be as peaceful as He could make it. Rose passed away quietly in her sleep early in the morning of Friday, February 17, 2012.

Mom, you left behind a family and many friends who will immensely miss your smile, calm and reassuring personality and the joy you found in life. We thank you for touching our lives and our hearts for so many years, but most of all we thank you for touching our souls. God Bless you Mom. Rest in peace.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Anthony Sr.; her son, Joseph Anthony Jr.; her sister, Anne Winters; and her brother, James Gallagher.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Wolowodiuk; and husband, Oleh; her daughter, Anne Vieira; her brother, Thomas Gallagher and wife Maria; her brother, William Gallagher, Jr. and wife Lucille; grandchildren Keith Wolowodiuk and wife Adrienne, Kristin McConnico and husband Timothy, Brian Wolowodiuk and Matthew Wolowodiuk. She also is survived by three great-grandchildren who gave her much joy during her last years, Kaitlyn and Sean Wolowodiuk and Hayden McConnico.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.