Rose Smith

Rose was born in Carteret, NJ, and raised at Saint Michael's Orphanage in Hopewell, NJ, before moving to Freehold. She then married Douglas Smith Sr. and raised three children in their home in Jackson, NJ, before moving to Toms River in 1978.

Rose was a home healthcare aide and after retirement, worked part time at an after school program for Allentown School District. Writing was Rose's favorite hobby and she blessed many with cards, letters, and poems. If you were in her company, Rose met you with love, kindness, and encouragement and she made sure each individual knew how special they were. Time with loved ones was among her favorite and she always had a special story to share about each one.

The love of the Lord Rose shared with others will remain as her legacy in the hearts of all who were fortunate to have known her, especially children.

Rose is predeceased by her husband, Douglas Smith Sr.; sister, Josephine Evans; brother, Vincent Paz; and son-in-law, Harold Gibson Jr.

Surviving her are her children, Patricia Gibson Graber and her husband, Alan, Douglas Smith Jr. and his wife, Diana, Maria Visinski and her husband, Matt Sr.; she is also survived by her grandchildren, Tara, Josh, Jesse, Melissa, Shannon, Stacey, Douglas III, Matt Jr., Mike, and Mark; 23 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Gardens at Pleasant Plains Community Center, 41 Columbine Circle, Toms River, NJ 08755, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan's Purse.