Rosalie Josephine Pusateri Candela

Rosalie J. Pusateri Candela
July 20, 1945 – March 3, 2026

Rosalie Josephine Candela, age 80, passed away at her home on March 3, 2026, following a long battle with lung cancer. She was the devoted wife of Nicholos “Nick” P. Candela and proud mother to daughters, Jennifer Candela-Alvarez, Mary Nichole Candela England, granddaughter, Caila Edwards, great-grandson, Ryker Edwards-Benitez, sons-in-law Timothy England and Greg Alvarez and future-son-in-law Misael Benitez, Jr.

Rosalie was born and raised in a village in Montrose, along with her brother Anthony, where her brother Frank, sister Josie, aunts, uncles and grandmother lived within blocks of her home. She enjoyed visiting Seabrook and Galveston regularly with her family – and loved being near the water and having fresh seafood. In high school, Rosalie worked at the River Oaks theatre with her brother Anthony and best friend, Kathy Cleary Pusateri, who would become her sister-in-law.

In 1967, Rosalie married Nick, the love of her life. In 1969 and 1971, the couple welcomed Jennifer and Mary Nichole into their family. Rosalie was a very loving and hands-on mother, where she cared for her children, served as room mother, drove carpools, made dresses and spoiled her girls on birthdays, Christmases and special occasions. In 1993, Rosalie became a proud grandmother to Caila and in 2021 she became a great grandmother to Ryker.

Rosalie loved real estate and managed her family properties since 1980. She co-owned and operated Southwest Appliance and later University Vacuum with her husband. She also worked for the Houston Chronicle and as a retiree, for the Harris County Appraisal District.

Rosalie loved creating a beautiful home and garden, hitting estate sales, listening to music, laughing, dancing and cooking fabulous holiday meals and treats for her family. She was active in the lives of her children, grandchild and great grandson. She rose early and began her day reading the bible and learning Italian. She often read the entire Houston Chronicle paper and never missed watching the news.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Agnes Tomasino Pusateri and Joe Pius Pusateri, in-laws Maimie and Nick D. Candela, brother Frank Pusateri, sister Josie Pusateri Loverdi and brother Anthony Pusateri, sisters-in-law Margaret LoCascio, Ann Candela and Rose Marie Candela and brothers-in-law August Candela, Charles Candela and Roy LoCascio.

Rosalie is survived by her husband, Nick, children Jennifer Candela-Alvarez and Greg Alvarez of Houston, Mary Nichole “Nikki” Candela England and Tim England of The Woodlands, Caila Edwards, Ryker Edwards Benitez and Misael Benitez, Jr. of Galveston, her sister-in-law, Kathy Pusateri of Houston and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends.

A mass will be held St. Francis de Sales (SFDS) Catholic Church at 8200 Roos Road; Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. with a reception following onsite at the SFDS Family Life Center. If inclined, flowers can be sent to SFDS Church to display in the Life Center or donations can be made in her name to The Houston Food Bank or the nonprofit of your choice.