Rosalie A. Ferlise

She was born on November 30, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama, daughter of the late Milton Joseph Vetrano and Innocincia “Annie” Pumilia Vetrano.

In 1956, Rosalie married Pat Ferlise. They made their home in Sarasota, Florida, where they operated the family business, Fancee Farms. Rosalie maintained their home, cared for the children, made appointments and reservations, and faithfully gave the weather report on those “stormy” farming days.

In later years, affectionately known as “Grandma”, she was the consummate caretaker. Pat’s meals and medications were always at hand and on time. When traveling, Grandma’s purse was heavy laden with whatever a family member might need, from Band-Aids to Splenda packets. An excellent cook, she was best known for her pasta and meatballs.

Rosalie was very dedicated to her Catholic faith. She regularly attended mass, until health problems intervened. She also helped support the nuns at the Dominican Monastery of St. Jude in Marbury, Alabama. In 2002, Rosalie became a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher.

She is survived by her sons Felix (Meg) of Sarasota, Florida, Milton (Lisa), of Mobile, Alabama, and Steve, of Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren, Patrick (Jessica), Chloe, Chase, and Abby; and sister Nina Parker, of Fairhope, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Pat; and brother Ignatius “Cede” Vetrano.

Services will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Sarasota.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Monastery of St. Jude, 143 County Road 20 East, Marbury, Alabama 36051. (www.marburydominicannuns.org/donate)