Rosalie “Rose” Bernadzikowski Bucey, born June 3, 1948, died on February10, 2020, after a battle with cancer. Rosalie was born to Walter A. and Cecilia Clara (nee Slowikowski) Bernadzikowski. Rosalie grew up in the Patterson Park and Herring Run neighborhoods of Baltimore. She attended the Shrine of the Little Flower School and St. Michael’s Business School.
In the late 1970s Rose began her 25-year career with the Food & Drug Administration. She started as a secretary and immediately started training to become an inspector. After completing the required 30 credits in science (including biology) at Essex Community College, she became one of the first women in the Baltimore FDA office to assume the role of Consumer Safety Officer. She eventually rose through the ranks to be the first female Compliance Officer in the Baltimore office. She took great joy and satisfaction in busting a case and fining or shutting down a food processor that wasn’t playing by the rules. Her methodical procedures ensured that her ducks were always “in a row”. She undeniably had an attitude and demeanor that many did not care for; however, those that respected her skills and experience benefitted from her mentorship and guidance and many became extraordinary inspectors and safety/compliance officers. She was even known to crack an occasional joke to everyone’s surprise. Her no-nonsense attitude and high-quality standards were legendary. Behind her gruff exterior was a caring person that always wanted others to succeed. She retired in 2003.
Rose was an avid cat lover and had many cat companions over the years that she treasured. She used to be an avid bowler. She loved to travel, having gone to Rome, went on several cruises with her friends, and used to spend a week in Ocean City, MD, every summer.
Rose was pre-deceased by her parents; a sister, Clara Bernice Snyder (1936-2001) Dundalk; a brother, Francis John Bernadzikowski (1945-1978); and a niece Heidi Bernadzikowski (1975-2000). She is survived by her son, Christopher Bucey (Erynne), of NC; a brother Walter R. Bernadzikowski (Donna) of York, PA; a sister, Joan Shutt of Bel Air, MD; nieces Melissa Johnson of Jarrettsville and Karen Benser (Robert) of Colora, MD; nephews Timothy Bernadzikowski (Patrick) of Laurel, MD, Raymond Bernadzikowski (Belinda) of York, PA, Harold Bernadzikowski of Eldersburg, MD, Bruce Bernadzikowski (Steffi) of Middle River, MD, and Francis Bernadzikowski (Shannon) of Elkridge, MD; and many great nephews/nieces and cousins. In addition, she is survived by her dear friends Diane Thompson, Jill Phipps and Verna Dietrich.
A public viewing will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home on Belair Road in Perry Hall, MD, on Friday February 14, from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday February 15, at 11AM, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10003 Bird River RD, Middle River, MD 21220. Interment to follow at Holly Hill Cemetery (Bird River RD, Middle River).
In lieu of flowers, family and friends may consider making donations in Rose’s memory to MD SPCA [https://www.mdspca.org/], the American Cancer Society [http://www.cancer.org/], or Pet Rescue of Maryland (Lutherville) [https://adoptapet.kindful.com/?campaign=298986].
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