She was born on February 14, 1928, to Isabelle (Murdock) and Stone Swanson in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest of five siblings. Rosella grew up in Red Hook and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, graduating from Fontbonne Hall Academy, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, in 1946.
After graduating, she worked at Blue Bell and Metlife, yet Rosella had aspirations to become a flight attendant and travel the world. Her dream of travel was interrupted early in Flight Attendant school when she had to return home to care for her ailing father. She transitioned professionally in those early days of computer data entry to become a keypunch operator and began working at the M.W.Kellogg Company in New York City.
She met Leonard Neidinger, an electrical engineer at M.W. Kellogg, and eight months later they married on October 31, 1959. They began a 47 year marriage that included raising five children, settling into the house that Leonard and his father, Arthur, had built. They shared the home with Leonard’s parents, and later with Rosella’s own father.
One of her biggest challenges was moving to Texas with five young children when Leonard was transferred. Rosella tightly managed the household, and flourished as they supported all five children through college.
Rosella had great happiness welcoming daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished those special times with them, and often covered them in prayer as they built their own lives.
She spent her recent years after Leonard passed away in independent retirement communities where she enjoyed making new friends, and participating in field trips and engaging with her Catholic community.
Throughout her life, Rosella enjoyed volunteering at her church, camping, reading, needlework, traveling, and visits with family.
Rosella has been described as a sweet, caring lady. She had strong opinions, unfailing courage and faith, and an abundance of love for her children.
Love, laughter and faith are Rosella’s legacy.
She is survived by her children Harold (Genevieve Ameling), Mary Laughbaum (Kent), Eric (Kat), Paul, and Anne; grandchildren Christen Rathburn (E.J.), Rachel Hubbs (Conner), Andrew (Fatima), Anthony, Rowan, Aidan, Leo, and Ava; and five beautiful great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, July 22, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Ignatius of Loyola chapel, 7810 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX 77379. A light meal will follow the Mass at St. Ignatius of Loyola.
A committal service will be held at Earthman Resthaven at 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM where Rosella will be buried beside her husband Leonard, and near her father Stone Swanson and daughter-in-law Carolina Neidinger.
Contributions in her name may be made to Society of the Little Flower in Rosella’s memory, 1313 N. Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561-5340, 800-621-2806, littleflower.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CalvaryHillFuneralHome.com for the Neidinger family.
