Rosaura Wermert

With full hearts and deep sorrow, we share the passing of Rosaura (Ro) Wermert (née Chase), who left us peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2025, just shy of her 92nd birthday.

A Life Well-Loved

Born on June 29, 1933, in Manhattan, NY, Ro was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many. She moved through life with a generous heart, a ready smile, and a quick sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew her.

Ro graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1951 and pursued further education before beginning her career as a librarian. Her work took her across several locations in New York City before she joined the American Metal Company in New York. It was there she met her future husband, Gilbert (Gil), and together with a lively group of friends and coworkers, enjoyed weekends filled with skiing, dancing, and gatherings—especially at a beloved company lodge that held a special place in her memories.

Ro and Gil built a beautiful life together, raising seven children and eventually welcoming eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild into their family. She was devoted to creating a warm, loving home filled with comfort, good food, and laughter. A talented cook and baker, Ro loved trying out new recipes from magazines and passed down that same adventurous spirit in the kitchen to her children, many of whom still carry on her most cherished recipes today.

Together with their first two children, they moved from Bedford, Massachusetts to River Vale, NJ where Ro founded a homemaker’s club with other young mothers on her street. Together, they took on creative projects that ranged from cooking to woodworking—one standout being a handmade wooden sewing case that neatly organized all her threads and tools. Her creativity was boundless, and it shone in everything she did, from crafting to homemaking.

As a mother and grandmother, Ro had a special gift for making each child feel deeply seen and loved. She sewed custom comforters and curtains to brighten their rooms, baked their favorite cakes and pies, and even created a magical play space under the table made to resemble her own home. She delighted in choosing toys and activities that encouraged imagination and discovery.

Ro also worked outside the home, including as a teacher’s aide in the special needs classroom at Roberge Elementary School. There, she developed a deep affection for working with children with special needs. In the evenings, she hosted in-home craft parties with Artcraft Concepts, where she taught stained glass, macramé, embroidery, needlepoint, and rug hooking. She also found great satisfaction in volunteering in an after-school program at Roberge Elementary School teaching needlework and rug hooking to grade school children. Her joy in creating was contagious, and she loved helping others find their creative spark.

Later, as her children grew older, Ro returned to full-time work at Macy’s, where she thrived as a top salesperson and embraced new technology during the early days of computer retail. She was proud of her success and was especially touched by the loyalty of customers who returned again and again, seeking her thoughtful guidance.

In 2020, Ro moved to Cleveland, Ohio into an independent living (and eventually a memory care) facility near her daughter Chris. She quickly became a beloved resident at her new community, known for her radiant smile, joyful spirit, and ever-present warmth. Hugs and kind words were her love language, and she gave them freely. Staff members often called her their favorite, and many have shared heartfelt condolences, missing the light she brought to their days.

Ro is lovingly remembered by her seven children: Stephen Wermert, David Wermert, Christine (Mike) Foley, Maryclaire (Jim) Collis, Ellen (Jerry) Boyle, Robert Wermert, and Frank Wermert, as well as her former daughter-in-law Vanessa Wermert. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren: Claire Foley (Jacob Bloch), John Collis, Thomas Foley, Patrick Collis, Kevin Foley (Michael McCallum), Matthew Foley, Mark (Meredith) Collis, Timothy Collis, Jesse Wermert, Daniel Wermert, and Liam Boyle; her great-grandson Noah Bloch; and nine beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, Gilbert Wermert, her parents Lola and Joseph Chase, her brothers/sisters-in-law Louis Chase (Jane Malley) and George (Frances) Chase, and her brother-in-law/sister-in-law Frank (Eleanor) Wermert. Her love and memory will be held close in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life

A private family viewing will take place at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ, on Saturday, June 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. A public funeral Mass will follow at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, 268 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with interment at Westwood Cemetery, 23 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather afterwards at 12:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar, 84 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ, to share stories, laughter, and love in memory of Ro.

Honoring Her Legacy

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ro’s life with a donation to CTC Academy, where her youngest grandchild, Liam, attended school. Ro found great joy in attending many of the school’s student and family celebrations. CTC Academy is a nonprofit organization offering educational and therapeutic services for children with diverse developmental abilities. Supporting their work is a beautiful way to celebrate Ro’s compassionate spirit and her belief in nurturing every child’s potential. Donations can be made online at ctcacademy.org (click “Donate” in the upper right corner), or mailed to:

CTC Academy Development 29-01 Berkshire Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 (201) 797-7440

Please indicate “In memory of Rosaura Wermert” with your contribution.

In Loving Memory

Ro’s life was a testament to kindness, creativity, and deep devotion to family. Her gentle presence and loving heart left an imprint on everyone she met. Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit continues to shine in the lives of those she touched. She will be missed deeply, remembered always, and cherished forever.