Rose S. Montaina

Rose Smith Montaina, died peacefully at home, age 97, surrounded by family on December 25, 2014. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Guy Montaina, brother Michael Smith, and son Guy Montaina, Jr.

She leaves her daughter, Bettina (Montaina) and her husband Charles Perez of Marblehead, Massachusetts; her son, Michael Montaina and his wife Joni of Stephens City, Virginia. Her six grandchildren, Michael Perez and his wife Lynne of Marblehead, Anthony Perez and his wife Dana of Haleiwa, Hawaii, Elizabeth Perez Wilson and her husband Tom of Worcester, Massachusetts, Bettina Montaina Dirks of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Guy Montaina of Pompton, New Jersey, and Lee Montaina and his wife Michelle of New Fairfield, Connecticut. In addition, she leaves her ten great-grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas Perez, Logan and Colby Montaina, Katy and Rowan Dirks, Sophie, Max, Payton, and Macie Montaina.

A native New Yorker, she loved the city and lived most of her life there. She lived briefly in New Jersey and for the last 19 years in Marblehead, Massachusetts. She spent 46 years of her career at Prentice Hall, Inc. starting as a clerk and retiring as a department head at age 75. Rose was very active in retirement, traveling often to New York and New Jersey to see friends and family. She loved plants and flowers and tended to a large indoor garden. Her faith was important to her, and in retirement became an active member of her church community. A familiar figure to many, she enjoyed walking in Marblehead. Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends, to which she devoted herself.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, 174 Humphrey Street, Swampscott on Wednesday, December 31 at 11AM. Cremation followed by interment in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead will be at a later time. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours were held at the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead on Tuesday from 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Rose to The Fresh Air Fund, 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017. www.freshair.org.