Born August 26, 1929, in Steelton, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Divina (Fure) Marsico. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald G. “Pickles” Santoni; her brothers, Frank, Donald, and Samuel “Rip” Marsico; her sister, Dolly Dougherty; and her son-in-law, Patrick J. Norton.
Rose is survived by her two daughters, Linda Norton and Cynthia “Cindy” Stauffer (Jerry); six grandchildren, Rose, Christina (Chris), Andrea (Jake), Jerry (Jenn), Lindsey (Jordan), and Eric (Lauren); twelve great-grandchildren, Aidan, Dylan, Gavin, Liam, Kaeley, Madeline, Jack, Jase, Sammy, Gabe, Cooper, and Baby Girl Stauffer; and two brothers, Raymond Marsico (Donna) and Edward Marsico (Suzie).
Rose retired from the former Pomeroy’s Department Store in Harrisburg. She was a faithful member of St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church and the Rutherford VFW Post 1213 Auxiliary. She also devoted more than 20 years volunteering in the cafeteria at St. Catherine Laboure School.
Rose found joy in life’s simple pleasures and in the people she loved most. She loved dancing the jitterbug, going on cruises, getting her hair done at the beauty salon, and cooking Sunday dinner for her family. She was also a devoted Notre Dame football fan.
Rose was deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, faithfully attending their events and cheering them on at every opportunity. She enjoyed her monthly card club with her Rutherford friends, treasured time with her coffee club and the trips they took. She always looked forward to the family vacation each summer to Stone Harbor, where she enjoyed raspberry ice cream from Springer’s.
A true social butterfly, Rose loved talking with everyone, especially at family gatherings, and was well known for her long goodbyes. If a family member missed calling her during the week, she always made sure they heard about it.
A woman of strong faith, Rose prayed the rosary daily. She will be remembered by many as the sweetest woman they had ever met, always smiling, yet still able to share a knowing eye roll when the moment called for it.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM Thursday, April 30, 2026, at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 4000 Derry St., Harrisburg. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM Thursday until the time of Mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Laboure School, 4020 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111 or to Rutherford VFW Post 1213, 6611 Evelyn St., Harrisburg, PA 17111.
