Theodora J (Hyde) DeRosa

Theodora DeRosa, 76, of Lake Hiawatha, formally of West Orange, peacefully entered into heaven early Tuesday Morning, September 29, 2020. She was born March 10, 1944 in Newark, NJ as the only child of Theodore and Genevieve Hyde.

Theodora was a graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ. She graduated from Orange Beauty School and was an accomplished beautician.

After her children were grown, Theodora transitioned into working for customer service at Continental Insurance Company for 10 years. She then went onto to become a commercial biller for St. Barnabus Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. Theodora retired from her career as a Team Lead for the Customer Service Department at Atlantic Health in Morris Plains, NJ.

When her children were young, Theodora was an avid volunteer within her children’s school system. She was involved with the PTA and was a weekly volunteer within her children’s classrooms.

Theodora will long be remembered as a devoted wife to her husband, Mario (of 52 years), and a loving mother, Nana, and Great Nana. To Theodora, family was the center of her world.

As Theodora began her battle with cancer in 2018, she never stopped fighting. She showed continued determination and strength; her sass and quick wit never diminished.

Theodora is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Mario DeRosa; Daughter Deborah Zarro (Michael), of Toms River, NJ (formerly West Orange, NJ); Sons Stephen (Joanne) of Youngsville, NC, and Michael (Lori) of East Hanover, NJ; Grandchildren Stephanie, Samantha, Stephen, Michael Cristopher, Alexis, Michael Thomas, and Madison; Great Granddaughter Sophia Grace; and devoted cousin Frank X. Keegan of Spring Lake, NJ and the late Phillip Keegan.

Visitation is on Sunday, October 4th, from 2-6 pm at the LaMonica Memorial Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 5th, at 9:45 am in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in East Hanover followed by the Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

At this time, Theodora’s family would like to extend thanks to the wonderful hospice staff through Atlantic Health for their tender, kind hearts, and care.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Atlantic Health Hospice and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital