Rose Marie Priola

Rose Marie Priola, 89, of Memphis, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2015. Rose Marie was tenderly cared for in recent years by her precious son, Joey Priola. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Joseph Priola, with whom she is now happily reunited. Rose Marie was born in Germantown to the late Mary and Charles Smith and was also preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Jones, and brothers, Neal Smith, James Smith and Thomas Muir. Rose Marie is survived by her sons, Joseph Priola and David Priola and stepdaughters, Theresa (Jerry) Jacques and Frances Priola.

Rose Marie graduated from Germantown High School. After her marriage to Joe Priola, she was busy raising her children, donating her time and talent to St. Ann Bartlett School and church, singing in the Sweet Adelines and winning blue ribbons at the Mid South Fair for her amazing Christmas ornaments. Rose Marie and Joe were also very active in the Moose organization, particularly during the year that Joe served as Governor and they especially enjoyed dancing the night away at the Moose Lodge on Saturday nights. Rose Marie was a very astute businesswoman and owned the Toy Chest in Bartlett for a number of years and continued her love of the toy business when she worked well into her 80s at the Village Toymaker in Germantown and Memphis.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 N. Germantown Road, Bartlett, TN 38133. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions go to the American Heart Association or charity of the donor’s choice.