"Jeannie, I was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a beautiful person, with a beautiful soul and a warm heart. I know you have many good memories of her to reflect on at this difficult time. I know it's hard, but some day, we'll all be together again. - Love, Jeanne Ramsey"
In loving memory of
Rose Marie Mazzara
January 28, 1929 - January 12, 2019
Rose Marie Mazzara - 1/28/1929 to 01/12/2019
Our beautiful mother; Rose Marie Mazzara (Pullara), age 89, of Madison, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at McFarland Villa Assisted Living.
Rose was born on January 28, 1929 to Gaspare "Casper" and Maria Pullara (Palmeri) and raised in the Greenbush area of Madison. Rose had many happy, nostalgic memories and stories of her younger years that she loved to share with her family, friends, and neighbors. Rose was an unusual beauty in the Bush, with her light-colored hair and hazel eyes. She graduated from Central High School. She then worked at Rennebohm's for a short time until she started at Wisconsin Telephone, where she worked until she married at the age of twenty-three. She married the love of her life, Carmelo "Mel" Mazzara on October 4, 1952 in Madison, Wisconsin in St. Joseph's church. Together, Mel and Rose raised their five children on the south side of Madison near Lake Wingra. At the age of fifty-five, Rose decided to go back to work as an administrative assistant. She was quickly hired at Findorff of Madison, and worked there happily for seven years. She is still fondly remembered by those who knew her there.
Rose loved to entertain family and friends. Her expertise was in making sure everyone was graciously welcomed and that they had no chance of going home hungry or empty handed. She was well known for making some of the most memorable and delicious dishes that one could imagine. She loved to spend time shopping and exploring new places with her family, relatives and friends. Some of the highlights of her adventures were to Italy, California, Colorado and New York.
Rose is survived by four of her children, Tony (Kitty), Cathy, Jeannie, and Mary Ann (Edward); her adoring grandchildren, Adam, Rose, David, Jon, Heidi, Krista, Danny, Deana, Kayla, Lauren, Paul, and their spouses or significant others; and her great-grandchildren, Jayd and Desmond. They were all her pride and joy. She is also survived by her loving nieces; nephews; cousin, Sister Rose Marie; and many dear friends.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary; brothers, Tony and Vito; husband, Carmelo; son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen; her best friend/cousin, Catherine; and many other loving relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:30 until the start of the service at church.
The family would like to thank the staff at McFarland Villa for their love and care for our mom...she was happy there because of them. Also, thank you to the staff at ADRC and Heartland Hospice who quickly and professionally helped the family through this difficult time.
Memorials may be made out to the family towards funeral expenses.
"We lost a legend tonight. A beautiful, strong, caring, fireball of a woman. At the end of the day she would want a celebration of who she was and what she wanted all of us to be." (grandson, Adam Mazzara)
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"??? Happy Birthday Mom, I know you?re having the best birthday party ever today. Hugs and kisses to you and all our loved ones with you. ? You brought our hearts much joy and they will ache until we see you again. ???"
"My Aunt My friend. Always loving encouraging. I will miss you. Your words are written on my heart. "
"The staff of the American Cancer Fund at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Rose?s passing. We have received a memorial donation in her name and our sincere condolences go out to her family. "
"We only know Rose through what she has left in her daughter Mary Ann. Must have been a very fine woman. Prayers to the Mazzara family. Much love, Margaret and Tony"
"Rose is and was such a lovely woman! I felt so welcome whenever I would see her. I know she called everyone "Honey", but when she said it, I truly believed she meant it graciously. My heart breaks for the family, but knowing she is at peace in heaven with all those loved ones, makes it so special. She truly is an angel."
"Love ?? U Mom ! Tony "
"I only met with Rose a couple of times. The first time was at her house. On the way in I was met with the aroma of her spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. Little did I know she wasn?t going to let me or my sister leave until we had eaten a plate full!! Had never had spaghetti like that before or since. It was the best!! She was a lovely little spitfire and I?m glad I got to know her. I know she will be missed by her loving family. Pat Erickson"
"Dear Mom,
Now may you Rest In Peace. Give Dad a big hug and kiss from all of us and take Paul and Mary Ellen by the hand to join all the people you touched throughout your life who are no longer with us. I believe Aunt Cathrine is with you to laugh until you cried with her endless sense of humor which got you through some of the most difficult times you both experienced. And how you would always put others first even if you may have had to do without. I was so blessed to help you when I could and you still laughed with me and my sometime dry humor. There are so many good memories that outweigh the bad that our family had though the 89 years we had to share with you. "
"Dear Krista, although we did not know your Nana just looking at her picture tells us she was a beautiful and loving lady. We are sad for your losing her but know that the memories of happy times spent with her will brighten these dark days of grief. I pray for God to give you comfort and peace. Love, Ruth and Ken"
"I LOVE YOU MOM YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER LOVE MARY ANN ?"
"Another beautiful woman, inside and out has left us. May all your wonderful memories keep you smiling and remembering the joy she brought to your lives. You will be missed by many Rose- love Cindy and Rusty Marshall"