RoseAnn was an angel from God. She lived her life in His shadow spreading love and joy to everyone she touched. Whenever she greeted someone it was with a compliment. RoseAnn's magnetic personality and infectious smile made everyone she met an instant friend. Never did she speak unkindly of anyone - those words were not in her vocabulary!
Born on 9/23/1934 in Pittsburgh, PA, RoseAnn was the eldest of three children. She was deeply involved in family life and excelled academically. She was always pleasant and positive, a constant role model for her sister Marlene and brother Joe. RoseAnn adored her parents and loved helping her mother cook. She was her Mom's constant companion in the kitchen, learning and doing everything she could, especially when it came to baking Italian dishes and cookies.
After moving to Farmington Hills, MI, RoseAnn graduated from Mercy High School in 1952. Within days she was on a train - solo - to San Jose, CA, to attend the summer quarter at Stanford University. During this time, she met Chuck through his sister, Helena. Chuck and RoseAnn were to be godparents for Helena's daughter, Charlene. RoseAnn loved theater and the arts. She was active in Stanford's RAM'S HEAD stage productions. She graduated in 1956 with a BA in Speech and Drama and was anticipating a teaching career. While RoseAnn was at Stanford, Chuck enlisted in the Air Force and they began corresponding, eventually exchanging hundreds of letters and pictures. They fell deeply in love and married on June 29, 1957, nearly 62 years ago! They settled in San Jose and raised 5 loving children.
RoseAnn taught special needs children under the SPARC program in San Jose while her children were at grammar school. But she was always there to pick up her children when school was out. In later years, she worked for the Santa Clara County Tax Assessor and was a Tax Roll Supervisor when she retired in 1999.
RoseAnn was a true gift from God, deeply involved in family, church, charity, fund-raising and community service. She was always a first-responder whenever anyone was in need. Her life revolved around helping others.
RoseAnn was an avid baseball fan, especially supportive of the Pirates, Tigers, and of course the Giants. Her radio and TV were always tuned in! She was also a breast cancer survivor, had cataract surgery and corneal transplants in both eyes. But by the grace of God, she was able to travel extensively, enjoy a happy life and a peaceful death.
RoseAnn had a very deep faith in God and for many years led Bible Study groups at Transfiguration. She was also a Eucharistic Minister, took the Eucharist to home bound parishioners, laundered altar linens and volunteered for numerous events at the Parish. She was a dedicated servant to the Lord and always prioritized the needs of others over her own. She loved to sing and praise God with this talent. One of her favorite activities was singing with her music group, Mass Confu?ion - for more than 40 years! They also enjoyed an annual week at the beach together. Mass Confu?ion performed at countless charitable events raising money for many worthy causes.
RoseAnn's family was her pride and joy. Five children were no small challenge for her, but she nurtured each one as a unique opportunity to mold them into responsible Christian adults. And she did! She was a devoted Wife, Mother and Grandmother whose love was endless. She radiates love, faith, joy, humility, compassion, generosity, enthusiasm, and encouragement. We so love her and miss her!
What do you suppose she is doing today in Heaven? Making Italian cookies perhaps?
RoseAnn's family adored her:
Daughter of Frank & Margaret Taormina; Sister to Marlene (Marko), Joe (Patt); Wife to Chuck; Mom to Jeffrey (Rita), Ron (Judy), Jennifer (Derek), Greg (Kristin), Gerry (Jeanette); Grandma to Matthew (Desiree), Justin, Annette (Jared), David, Adam, Elise, Cassidy, Peytin, Benjamin, Nathan.
Thank you dearest Lord for bringing RoseAnn into our lives. She will be forever in our hearts.
Chuck 4/12/2019
Memorial Mass at Church of the Transfiguration on April 22, 2019 at 1:30pm
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