Rita Rose

Rita Rose Ann Rose, 89, of Exeter Township, Loving, Caring,Wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother, passed away Friday June 3, 2016 at 5:20 am in Berkshire Center. Born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1926 in Coaldale, PA, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Lena (Rudolph) Ceci. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas "Jack" Rose. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Coaldale in 1944 and St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Reading , where she was enrolled in the United States Cadet Nursing Program. After graduating she worked as a nurse at Coaldale State Hospital, which is now Miner's Memorial Medical Center. She later married, moved to the Reading area, worked in the family business, and raised her two children. Mrs. Rose was a member of Saint Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Exeter Township for 64 years, a past member of the Exeter Township Lions Club and secretary of the Exeter Township Bicentennial Committee. She enjoyed ballroom dancing, Big Band Music , feeding the birds, traveling, wintering in Florida and was always proud of being a "Coal Miners Daughter". She is survived by her son Vincent J. Rose of St. Lawrence; a granddaughter, Dr. Andrea Lynn, wife of Steve Farrell of Wyomissing; son-in-law Russell M. Smith, husband of Joan Smith of Exeter Township and many friends and relatives. Mrs. Rose was preceded in death by her daughter Kathleen S. Smith and three brothers Thomas, Robert and Joseph Ceci.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Exeter Township, Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 10:30 am. Reverend Monsignor Edward R. Domin, Celebrant. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Shillington. The family will receive relatives and friends in Saint Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church Thursday 8:45-10:15 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Exeter Township Lions Community Foundation, PO Box 4214, Reading, PA 19606 in memory of Mrs. Rita Rose Ann Rose. Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, 444 North 9th Street, Reading is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.whelanschwartz.com