Rose you are truly missed. I am so sorry you had to be so ill for almost 3 years. We spoke on the phone just about every night for the first year after I move to Florida.  So glad I was able to come see you for 2 weeks 💓 the year after that. It was strange not seeing you because we lived together most of my 85 years.  Please give Mom. Dad, and Butch a big kiss from me. I'm happy that there so many family, friends, and neighbors ❤.  Oh, our cousin Saddie should be looking for you. All my love, your loving sister Dee

My Dear Aunt Ro, (Part 2)

Then there’s your pizzagaine! I remember not being able to get enough when I’d visit you. Eating it fresh out of the oven, and going back countless times to eat it cold from the fridge. I’ll be making your pizzagaine recipe with a smile on my face and know the smell will bring me right back to moments together with you.

I’ll never forget how my wife and I visited a bit after we got married and you told captivating stories of your youth to us. I was blown away by how strong you were. The details, Mad Men-esque, took me back to a different era for you as a woman in the workplace.

It took a true LEAP to venture out across the country. Back then there’s no GPS, cars weren’t that reliable, there’s no online research to let you know about all about a city and what to really expect somewhere. Let alone, once there, to make a career, home & community.

When the west was first settled, they called them pioneers. You were a pioneer.

Arizona promised warmth, a way to escape the cold. After you and Aunt Dee, women traveling on their own, finally made it to Arizona, you were shocked. I remember laughing so hard it hurt when you told us that you cursed your new company after arriving to snow in Flagstaff. You said “they LIED TO US!” I can only imagine how that would feel after the trek. Thankfully you found the desert and heat soon enough after.

Now you’ve made the trek to your next, eternal home in Heaven. It wasn’t an easy journey the past few years, but you stayed strong and have made it. I know you’re having the opposite initial reaction to your venture out west…that it’s all you’ve been promised and more.

Aunt Ro, we will keep you in our memory here. A strong woman. In love. In faith. To family. Here. And in heaven.

Love you so much.

(Part 1) My Dear Aunt Ro,

You have been such an amazing, loving force in our family. My wonderful, big Italian family had a huge gap between you and my Mom. About 18 years. She saw you like a 2nd Mom. And you were. You were the trailblazer, leading the family out west from Syracuse. I’d never have been here if not for that. My Mom wouldn’t have ended up at ASU or met my Dad. There’s a huge, loving Arizona clan of Zaccaria still there from what you started. I’m thankful they wrapped their arms around you these past few years, with selfless sacrifice and support. You were surrounded by them these past couple of weeks in a way we all wish for as we go to meet God.

Your legacy lives on across the family. Your values, example and leadership…big and small, instilled a lot in my Mom that I know passed down to me when I was growing up. That continues on through me with my two little kiddos here in Austin.

Mid-life now, I find myself incredibly nostalgic, reflecting back all the time. Seeing if there’s lessons for the future, and most of all, appreciating the past. It’s funny how the little things come to mind looking back. Like a brief montage of sights, sounds, smells & brief moments. With you, it’s as a kid visiting Phoenix. After 20 hours of driving, sleeping over at Aunt Kathy’s house, and seeing you walk in the door such a warm, glowing hug to welcome me. 

The excitement of Christmas and you making me feel rich :) I felt like I had a million bucks as I flipped through a book of McDonald’s “money” gift certificates. This feeling continued and evolved throughout my life. You were so generous and thoughtful, always writing cards to your nephew, and even in your 80s, to my kids. Never missed a special occasion. We were always in your thoughts.

You have a beautifully rich faith and amazing devotion. I’m both in awe and thankful that you prayed for each of us every day, just as Grandpa did.  We all received blessings from your strong faith.

You took care of my newborn Tammy when I was hospitalized with a complication. You snuggled her in your laundry basket by your bed.  Please say hello to my Butch, Duke and Ann up in heaven.

Rose was a co-worker and friend for quite a few years at Honeywell/BULL.  We shared a lot of discussions about so many things and also shared alot of laughs through the years.  Rose, you were so very kind.  Rose, may your soul be resting in peace.

OBITUARY

Rose Zaccaria

July 17, 1937 – September 12, 2024

West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services