Mary Rose Gressett's Obituary
Mary Rose Gressett, who loved to be called “Mary Rose”, grew her well deserved hot pink Angel wings and flew away to Heaven on October 9, 2020.
Mary Rose was born in Norwich, Connecticut on April 8, 1923 to Filomena Malerba and Cataldo Strippoli, both immigrants from Italy.
Mary Rose had the biggest, kindest and most compassionate and generous heart. She only saw the best in people, forgave easily and loved tremendously. She always had a soft spot for children and animals and would always help those in need even when she herself had very little. She was feisty, sassy, funny and well loved by many.
She was a loving mother to Joseph and Rina and caring stepmother to Tim, Peggy, Richard, Michael and Jewel. She grew up in, and lived in, New York for many years before moving to New Mexico and finally landing in San Diego, California. Even after 50 years, that New York accent never left, especially when she got excited or mad. People could always detect that accent!
Mary Rose worked in a factory during war time making tassels for window shades and as a school crossing guard. She worked at a local newspaper taking ads over the phone and as a sales associate at J.C. Penney. For many years she worked in the playroom at a local bowling alley caring for the children during league bowling. She was also a stay at home mom and cared for many children of friends and family members.
Her hobbies included dancing, bowling, watching John Wayne movies and eating chocolate and ice cream. She was most proud of dancing on American Bandstand in the early 1940’s, watching the ball drop on New Years Eve in Time Square for many years, having the courage to move across the US from NY to CA and being a mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her son Joe and daughter Rina, five stepchildren, thirteen grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Mary Rose is also survived by her sister Rina Focareta.
Mary Rose will now be sitting in Heaven with her Mom, surrounded by many beloved pets and having coffee, donuts and chocolate with John Wayne. See ya’ around Pilgrim!
Services will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park on October 20, 2020 at 1:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to one of her favorite local animal rescues, www.ScratchMyBelly.org can be made in her name or contributions can be made to her GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/Your-Loving-Support-for-Mama-Mary-Rose
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