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Rose Marie Smith December 30, 2020 Obituary Rose Marie Smith was a loving, caring, nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2020. Rose Marie was born to Michael and Jean De Stefano in Brooklyn, NY on October 7, 1949. A few years after graduating from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, Rose Marie met her future husband, Eugene Smith and together they raised two sons, Michael and Gino in Belford, NJ. Rose Marie embraced life and lived her life to the fullest. For her 50th birthday, Rose Marie conquered her fear of heights and gathered friends and family together to watch her skydive. She also celebrated the day by getting a tattoo. Ro enjoyed music, dancing, and hosting her own annual Saint Anthony’s Feast. Ro was very proud of her Italian heritage, and she was always telling stories about her time growing up in Brooklyn. Ro enjoyed traveling to Italy and other European destinations for religious, cultural, and culinary experiences. Rose Marie loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. She always delighted in making others smile. Rose Marie taught for nearly twenty years at CPC in Morganville, NJ. Her true passion, however, was in volunteering, especially for causes that supported humane education and animal welfare; for example, the Monmouth County ASPCA. Rose Marie spent many years visiting schools and other facilities with her beloved therapy dog, Lucy, teaching the importance of being kind and compassionate to animals and the positive impact animals can have in a human’s life. Ro also frequently traveled to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, volunteering her time by providing loving care for many types of animals. Rose Marie was also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for her time volunteering with the Monmouth County Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Ro had a true passion for helping all of God’s creatures. Ro loved spending time with her family, especially her grandsons, Christian and Matthew; she was so proud of them and enjoyed spoiling them. Lasting memories were created during many wonderful meals enjoyed together and trips taken to beautiful locations like Alaska, Captiva Island, Niagara Falls, Lancaster, Las Vegas, San Diego, and the Bahamas. She also spent many years enjoying time at her house in the Poconos that she named “Dove’s Landing.” She enjoyed sharing her love and appreciation for nature with her family, especially her grandsons. Rose Marie is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Eugene; her sons, Michael (Melissa) and Gino; and grandsons, Christian and Matthew. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret (David) Hennessy, and nephew, Anthony Calandra. A celebration of Rose Marie’s life will be held at a later date. Her wish would be for everyone to stay safe during these trying times.
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take
with you nothing that you have received-only what you
have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service,
love, sacrifice, and courage.” -St. Francis of Assisi
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