Rose Catherine Schanel, 93, maiden name Rose Catherine Morris, of Oak Island, N.C., and East Rutherford, N.J., passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.
Rose was born May 7, 1923, in East Rutherford, N.J. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School, where as a cheerleader, her acrobatics earned her the nickname Trixie. She met her beloved husband, Joseph Charles Schanel, while working at Becton Dickinson and after a several-year separation while he served in the infantry in France and Germany during World War II, they were married.
The title homemaker does not do justice to Rose’s incredible cooking and baking skills making homemade galumpkis, pierogies and apple pie. She was a talented seamstress who created dresses, coats and wedding gowns. An avid gardener into her 90’s, Rose could save any ailing plant and create beautiful landscapes.
Nothing brought Rose, Hatmom to her grandchildren, greater joy than spending time with family. While raising her children, she volunteered at the schools and was active in the PTA. She loved vacationing with family in Ocean Beach and Barnegat Light, N.J., and taking day trips into New York City with her sister Nell.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Charles Schanel; brothers, John and Michael Morris; and sisters, Margaret (Peg) Bondaruk and Nell Van Buskirk.
Rose is survived by her sister, Carol DeMasi; brother, Joseph Morris; daughters, Kathleen Ferraro, Eileen Klitsch and Judith Schanel; grandchildren, Roseann Ferraro, Caroline Hare, Patricia Stevens, John Klitsch III, Brendan Klitsch and Zachary Agee; and 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, May 8, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 120 Hoboken Road, East Rutherford, N.J., followed by burial in George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cone Health Inpatient Rehabilitation at Cone Health Office of Institutional Advancement, 1200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401, who provided exceptional care after her stroke and gave her the gift of returning to her home; or Lower Cape Fear Hospice at 1414 Physician’s Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401-7335, whose kindness and compassion eased her passing.
Online condolences may be sent to www.brunswickfuneralservice.com.