Rose (Mangine) Church

Rose (Mangine) Church, 95, passed away Monday, May 25, 2020 at The Centers at St. Camillus. Born in Warners, she married Louis Church, also of Warners, in 1947. They lived many years in Adams where they raised their family. After Rose’s retirement from Kemper Insurance, they wintered in Florida and spent summers at their cottage on Lake Ontario. Their later years were spent in Syracuse. Lou was in a wheelchair but was able to stay at home with the help of home aides and the loving care from Rose. After her husband’s passing, Rose lived in Bishop Ludden Senior Apartments, a place where she was happy.

Rose was valedictorian of her Warners High School class. She was an accomplished pianist and played for school events. Rose’s first job was at the Syracuse Army Air Base, where she made lifelong friends. While living in Adams, when her children were all in school, she was a typesetter for the Jefferson County Journal before working for Kemper Insurance. In Rose’s long life, she golfed and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and Home Bureau.

Gram was truly a warm, loving mother and grandmother who made her home comfortable and safe, filled with home cooking. The cottage was a special place where both her children and grandchildren made lifetime memories. Wherever Rose and Lou were, family and friends gathered. Her family was Rose’s main focus and joy. She loved flowers, especially the spring flowers, lilacs and lilies of the valley. Rose was a NY Yankees fan in summer and a SU Basketball fan in the winter. She also loved to watch golf. Her favorite lunch was a bologna sandwich and a beer. Rose loved to talk to people, she would say everyone has a story and she wanted to hear them. She was a good listener.

Rose was predeceased by her husband, Louis; parents, Rose and Fred Mangine; sister, Julia Petrangelo; and brothers, Carl and Clement “Smokey”.

Surviving are her children, Paul of Colorado, Ann (John) McGraw of Camillus, Louis of Ithaca and Susan (Billy) Grimes of Colorado; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was loved by all, including her several nieces, nephews, cousins and home helpers. Rose was a very special lady.

Rose’s family is sorry they could not be with her these last two months, due to these unusual events.

As per her wishes, there will be no services. Family will gather for a celebration of her life at a later date.

If so inclined, a donation can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Rose will be cremated with her ashes placed in a quiet spot under a shady tree.