Cover photo for Marlene Rosa's Obituary
Marlene Rosa Profile Photo
1919 Marlene 2019

Marlene Rosa

August 19, 1919 — December 13, 2019

On Friday, December 13, 2019, Marlene Rosa, age 100, our dear mother, grandma, and great grandmother ended her earthly journey surrounded by her loving family. She is finally free of the pain she quietly endured for years. Services will be Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chariton Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Chariton Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be made to the Chariton Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Mable Marlene Rosa was born on August 19, 1919 to Judge and Grace (Carson) McDonnell at their farm home in Lincoln Township, Lucas County, Iowa. By the time she walked, her father had her on a horse, an activity she loved. Marlene attended Franklin Country School, across from the family farm, through 8th grade. During these years, The Great Depression and its struggles shaped her life. She attended Chariton High School and graduated in 1937 at the age of seventeen. In high school it was necessary for her to "board" in town, only going home on weekends if the country roads were navigable. Her normal training (teacher prep.) curriculum, supplemented by summers at Simpson College in Indianola, readied her for her ten-year teaching career at country schools in the county. Again, it was necessary for her to "board" with a family in the district where she taught. Marlene was considered a talented teacher, but her career came to an abrupt halt when it was necessary for her to provide home care for her mother, ill with terminal cancer. On May 23, 1942, Marlene was united in marriage to George Edwards Rosa at the home of her parents. George lovingly referred to his new bride as his "Wild Irish Rose". Immediately after their marriage they moved to their farm home east of Williamson where they resided until 1962 when they built a new home in Lincoln Township. Marlene and George were blessed with two children, Kathy and John. Marlene was a dedicated mother, very involved in her children's activities. She was a fabulous cook and everyone looked forward to her Christmas candy and special desserts. Always frugal, Marlene's expert dress making skills allowed her to make most of her daughter's clothing, even her wedding gown and coats. At an early age she accepted Christ and was a faithful member of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, holding many positions within the church as long as her health permitted. Marlene was active in community affairs. She served as past president of Lucas County Farm Bureau, holding many offices and chairing many committees. Working with youth was a priority in her life, as a 4-H leader, county 4-H chairman, and even as a chaperone for a 4-H trip to Washington, D.C. Marlene became very interested in family genealogy and connected with relatives in other states, learning of her Irish heritage. She was active in the Lucas County Genealogical Society and was also a proud member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Most of all, Marlene loved her family and home. Time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren was always cherished. In 2006, after many health challenges, Marlene and George moved into assisted living in Chariton. In 2008, her beloved husband of sixty-six years passed away. The past eleven years became more challenging as her vision deteriorated and she became completely blind. Due to her sharp mind, lots of gumption, and resilience, Marlene was able to stay active in assisted living until the last weeks of her life. Left to cherish her memory are her children, John (Susan) Rosa of Chariton and Kathy (Paul) Calonder of Brillion, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Adam (Amy) Calonder of Tipton, Iowa, Seth (Emily) Calonder of Wausau, Wisconsin, Chris (Ashlynn) Rosa of Chariton, Rebekah (Ryan) Kirchner of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Molly (Adam) Fitzpatrick of Osceola, and Zach (Sarah) Calonder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and great grandchildren: Avary Calonder, Braydon Calonder, Hadley Calonder, Brinley Calonder, Greyson Calonder, Rowen Calonder, Alexandra Kirchner, Lincoln Rosa, Stella Rosa, and George Fitzpatrick. Cemetery Details Chariton Cemetery HWY 14 and HWY 34
Chariton, IA 50049

Visitation

DEC 21. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (CST)

Chariton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

1027 Ilion

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

Service

DEC 21. 10:30 AM (CST)

Chariton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

1027 Ilion

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

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