Elsie Rockett

Passed away August 31st, 2014 at 8:27am, following a brave fight with complications due to Parkinson’s.

Elsie was 84 at the time of her death and lived 46 years in Massapequa, New York.

Elsie was born October 1st, 1929 to parents Acei and Elsie Barnett in Brooklyn NY.

Elsie had two sisters, Pearl (predeceased) and Jackie, who is still living.

Elsie married the love of her life, Gerard Lawrence Rockett in 1947 at the age of 18.

During their marriage, Elsie and Jerry had five children together. They shared 47 happy years of marriage, devoted to each other, their children, and their grandchildren. Jerry Rockett died on May 1st, 1994.

Elsie and Jerry Rockett’s children in order of birth:

James Michael

Brian Thomas

Kevin Lawrence

Shaun Keith

Alison Patrice

Elsie’s life was motivated by the love of her two passions, faith in her savior Jesus Christ, and her family. She lived that faith and love before all to witness. Elsie’s second child Kevin, died on August 14th, 1985. Her first son James, died on her birthday, October 1st. Elsie’s 3rd grandchild was born to Alison and Paul Frase, her cherished Joshua, her only grandson, born with Myotubular Myopathy, passed on Christmas Eve, 2010 due to complications from that muscle disorder. To have lost not one but two adult children, her husband of 47 years, and then her precious Joshua, would have destroyed the strongest, but not Elsie Rockett! She didn’t give up or become bitter, but hung on to her savior all the more, giving strength to the rest of her family by example and the way she lived her life. The word of God was Elsie’s stronghold, there was never any other substitute for her faith, the love she possessed and poured on all was a love not lacking, never dry and withered from the challenges of life. Love was alive in Elsie, the words she taught her children were never empty works, but words wrapped with wisdom and compassion but most of all, her unconditional love that was always present, and enough of her love to carry her through a life marked by losses. Elsie looked at things a little differently because of that strong ever present faith, all of her children and grandchildren were gifts from God, and they belonged to Him first. Yes, she suffered, but never alone, with acceptance that God was in control and aware of all. To know Elsie Rockett, was to watch faith in action. We, Elsie’s family, know with certainty that on August 31st, 2014, Elsie was the first to see her precious grandson Joshua walk, was loved and held by her children that had gone on before her, but also that day, Elsie Minnie Barnett Rockett heard from her Lord and Savior, “Well done, Good and faithful servant”.

Elsie is survived by:

Brian Rockett Son

Shaun Rockett Son

Alison Rockett Frase Daughter

Amanda Rockett Anastasi Granddaughter

Granddaughter’s Brielle Rockett, Brijonna Rockett, and Isabella Frase

Jackie Sister

Christine Selvester Special niece

Nkumu Mandungu ‘Adopted son’

And the many others that she considered her own. You know who you are.

We would also like to thank Elsie’s caregivers, and a special thank you to Virginia Snaggs, who was ever present until the end.

Long time friend and pastor, Gaspar Anastasi

Funeral visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Word of Life Church, 80 West Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11502 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. ~ Religious Service will be at 7:00 to 8:30 pm. at the Church ~ Meeting family Friday, September 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton, New York~

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of James Funeral Home, 540 Broadway, Massapequa, New York.

We hope you can attend. Please access the following links for further details, floral orders, directions and to sign Elsie's Guest Book.

Offering our deepest condolences during this very difficult time.

~ The Staff of James Funeral Home ~

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call 516.541.4000

If you have any questions or concerns please email us at [email protected]