Rosalie Pape

Rosalie was born to parents Jerolemon and Frank Armocida on May 8, 1948 in Manhattan, NY. She was the youngest of her siblings Connie and Michael Armocida (Brena). She was engaged to “Gentleman” Gene Pape on Valentine’s Day 1970 and they were married on November 28th, 1970.

She was the incredible mother of Pamela Sarzen (Art), Joseph (Cristina) and Debbie and the beautiful grandmother of Sammy Sarzen, and Christopher and Valentina Pape. She was the sister in law of Eleanor Luerssen (Rainer) and Raymond Pape, and the Aunt to six nieces and nephews.

Rosalie and Gene first lived in Staten Island, NY, moving to Lakewood, NJ, then onto Manasquan, NJ before “retiring” in Waretown, NJ.

Rosalie simply loved life, always smiling, doing for others and looking for the bright spot. When diagnosed in early 2017 with Acute Myeloid Leukemia her response was “I can’t worry. I have no time. I’m busy. That’s my motto”. And when faced with an uncertain future, she chose to do all that she needed in order to live. An incredible fighter who took it head on with a great attitude and smile.

She loved being around people and had a special way of making everyone that came into her life feel welcome and comfortable. If she knew you for an hour, it was like she knew you for a lifetime.

She loved entertaining, cooking and crafts and excelled at all of these. Anyone that has tasted her food or was lucky enough to have her give you something she made can attest to that. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, from playing golf to sipping tea to a kind word or gesture when needed or just to laugh with. She was there to help those she never knew, from making Meals on Wheels to volunteering when she could. She loved surprising her children with new recipes or their favorite snacks and dinners. She also really enjoyed spending Gene’s money!!

It was later in life that she and Gene would spend quality time enjoying Brie and apples with each other nightly, having playful banter over what type of apples to get. She also enjoyed quiet time with Debbie’s cat Nugget. It was also during this time that she found the role that may be her greatest legacy, being a Grandma. She understood each one of her grandchildren individually and treated them like gold. Never raising her voice, always excited to see them and share a special adventure. From her magic pockets filled with surprises to playing whatever game they wanted whenever they wanted to taking trips to Disney, Storybook Land, Diggerland and Hershey Park all in the name of fun.

The first one to jump up and play whatever they wanted. The first one to help out her children by saying “I will take care of them, you go and relax”. She was the head counselor at Camp Grandma when all the grandkids would come and spend time with her and Grandpa. As soon as the door opened, she was there to light up their lives with a big hug and kiss. Going to their sporting events whenever she could, no matter how cold or how hard it was raining, just so that she could see them play and cheer them on. Even when she was not with them, they were always in her thoughts and she was often doing something for them. From making them stuffed animals to picking out matchbox cars (especially the old metal ones at the flea market) or finding that little something special she could share the next time she saw them.

Rosalie set the bar high. It is our hope that we all take our favorite part that made her great and incorporate that more into our own lives.

Rosalie’s family will receive friends and relatives, Saturday February 24, from 10AM until the time of Services 11AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church 4700 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008.

In in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/RosaliePape.

Condolences may be sent to www.shinnfuneralhome.com