Rosemarie A. De Libera

Rosemarie Ann Neville De Libera, age 91, of Upper Arlington, Ohio died Saturday, January 14, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at Riverside Hospital. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1931 of Irish and German parents, Thomas Warren Neville and Elvira Marie Beck, the youngest of five children. She graduated from Notre Dame High School for Girls, Chicago, Illinois in 1950 and entered the Novetica of The Sisters Of Notre Dame de Namur one day after her high school graduation. She was professed Sister Thomas Marie, ND. She subsequently earned her Bachelor of Arts from Edgecliff College, Cincinnati (now Xavier University) and had assignments teaching elementary and middle school education in Catholic Elementary Schools in Dayton (Holy Angels), and Columbus (St. Catherine's) and later Barrett Junior High. In 1967 she left the convent to serve God in other ways and later, as a happy surprise, met and married her devoted husband, John S. De Libera, Esq., who preceded her in death and was waiting to be reunited with her in Heaven. She is survived by her three beloved children Sabrina M. De Libera; Malissa M. De Libera Vergamini (Greg J. Vergamini, son-in-love) and John J. De Libera (Danielle R. De Libera, daughter-in-love) and her seven grandchildren, who were her world, Cole T. Walters, Ava M. Walters, Giorgio J. De Libera, Gabriella R. De Libera, Valentina M. Vergamini, Luca J. De Libera and Vincenzo I. Vergamini, who affectionately knew her as Yaya. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Marion Brown, Marjorie Albert, Robert Neville, Fr. Thomas W. Neville, Jr., special Goddaughter/niece Elaine Cappello, and many other cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

Marie’s life was spent faithfully devoted to her husband as well as her children and grandchildren. Children and friends were drawn to her positive energy and her friendly and warm nature. She was an excellent conversationalist who gave wise advice regarding the important things - faith, family, and friends. Marie loved her life and was not your average 91 year-old. She was full of life and vitality until her final few days, going on vacation, visiting friends in Chicago, following local sports and going to the theatre all in the immediate weeks before her passing. She was known for her delicious sprinkled cupcakes and hosting an "open pool" policy at her home of 52 years, where she was happiest. Marie enjoyed her travels to Disney World with her family and playing BINGO on cruises. She had four companion animals over the years, DeDe, Caesar, Lasa and Sofi, who especially loved snuggling with her and gave her great comfort.

Marie was a devout member of St. Agatha Catholic Church since 1968 and faithfully attended Mass until her passing. She was very involved in St. Agatha School, where her children attended, and was instrumental in establishing a kindergarten program there and served as Home-School President in the 1970's and Girl Scout/Cub Scout leader. She was Past President of the Italian Piave Auxiliary Club, since she was "Italian by marriage". She enjoyed working with children at Holy Trinity, volunteering at Wickliffe Elementary School and the UAHS school store, and serving as a volunteer usher for CAPA. Marie was an Associate of The Sisters Of Notre Dame de Namur in the Sunflower Group and was blessed to have many good friends, with whom she met for weekly for lunch up until her passing, including Rosemary Conroy, Pat Zadnik, Lucy Lloyd, Mary Ellen Logan and childhood friend, Fr. Jack O'Malley. Above all, she relished supporting her grandchildren in their lives, sports, theatre and dance activities. She was a Mother and Grandmother to all who knew her. Although she is gone and irreplaceable, we are comforted to know she has returned to the loving arms of her John, joining all the choirs of angels in Heaven to sing the Lord's praises and watch over us all.

"Be like the sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, and keep your eyes always turned towards our good God." -St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

We will carry her enormous love in our hearts forever. Although we are devastated and heartbroken she has left this Earth, we are eternally grateful for the additional miracles given to us by God, the Upper Arlington EMT's, Dr. Pinto, Dr. He, Dr. Botti, and the entire Riverside ICU and ER team. Those priceless few days were truly a gift with a ripple effect of love and faith for generations to come. Marie's family thanks you for all your blessings and prayers. May we go in peace to love and serve the Lord, as she has, and love each other. “Only Love!”

Family will receive friends Friday, January 27th from 4-7 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1860 Northam Road, with longtime family friend, Father Jonathan Wilson concelebrating with Father Mark Summers. A private family burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery at a later time. Friends who wish may contribute in her memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 701 E. Columbia Ave. Cincinnati, OH 43215-3999, St. Agatha Parish, 1860 Northam Road, Columbus, OH 43221 or the Columbus Humane, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026. Arrangements by Schoedinger Funeral Home.