Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Dorothy Rose Obituary
AGE: 89 • Ocean Grove
Dorothy Rose, artist and long time teacher in the Toms River School district passed away on Mother's Day Sunday; May 10th at JSUMC at the age of 89. Dorothy was born July 3, 1925 in Camden, NJ, the only child of Elwood Roberts and Elsie Koelle Roberts. Dorothy was a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts. She exhibited her paintings, frequently under the name "E. Koelle Roberts," in many venues including Ocean Grove and Ocean City, NJ. Dorothy was known for her expertise in varied media but pastel was her true love. She also excelled at watercolor and acrylic and was a gifted portraitist. She taught in the Toms River School District for over thirty years. Among her many awards was inclusion in Who's Who in Education. She and art teacher Ethel Lewis began the annual Halloween Window Painting on the store fronts on Main Street, a tradition that continues to this day.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband; Donald Furcillo Rose in 1997 and by her loving daughter, award-winning artist, journalist and radio personality : Donna Jean Rose in 2005 and by her cousin; Roy Crispin in 2005. She is survived by her cousin Ruth Crispin Helmetag and her husband; Dr. Charles Helmetag and their children; Diana and Steven. Also surviving is her cousin; Barbara Crispin, dear friend; Robin Thompson and her 4 legged babies; 'Onyx' and 'DJ'.
Dorothy has lived in Ocean Grove for the past 20 years. Her love of life was inspiring and she was a friend to all of 'God's Creatures'. Her positive outlook and sage advice will be missed by all who knew her.
A viewing will be Thursday May 14 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. A graveside service will be held Friday at 12:00 Noon at the Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Dorothy's name to the animal charity of your choice. To send a condolence message, please visit www.oceangrovememorialhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Rose
Joseph Rodriguez
May 7, 2025
Such a wonderful person. A teacher that left a life long impression.
Gina (fiorentino)Narozniak
February 19, 2023
Mrs rose as I said in last post was my favorite teacher. She would share stories about Jack Nicholson as I would help her clean up the art room. She truly was like an extended family member. Her class was a safe haven for me when I was being bullied. God bless her.
Gina Narozniak
February 19, 2023
I just looked Mrs Rose up because I was sharing memories of her with my daughter who is an art student in college. I unfortunately saw she passed. She was so kind to me at TOMS RIVER HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH. She picked my art to be painted downtown and it won an award. She always made me feel special and was so kind.
Pamela Quinn
May 17, 2015
I had her in 1985 when I was a freshman. She was very sweet. I wish we could all try to be a little more like her. This world would be an awesome place.
May 15, 2015
I first met Dorothy Rose when it was her first year at Toms River School, her name then was Dorothy Roberts. She inspired me to pursue the arts and I eventually became a photographer. That was back in the late 40's or early 50's, and I have never regretted it, Thank You Dorothy (Roberts) Rose.
Bonnie (Balf) Jacobs
May 15, 2015
Mrs Rose...
You were my favorite art teacher at TRS. You inspired creativity, originality & to always give your best. I loved painting windows every year, an honor to be chosen. Your door was always open & were always there to listen, give advise & chat. My desire to pursue art as an occupation was born in your class.
Linda (Hand) Wilson
May 15, 2015
Mrs. Rose you were the best art teacher I ever had I totally enjoyed every one of your classes and learned a lot from you I was in your class in 1962 and 63 rest in peace class of 1964
Cindy Smith Weaver
May 15, 2015
She taught me so much about drawing and having an artistic eye. Always to be remembered lovingly and with gratitude.
Karla Boals
May 15, 2015
Dorothy Roberts Rose was the person that inspired my brother-in-law to choose his passion of being a artist for his entire life. David Boals has created many paintings and sculptures throughout his life. Unfortunately he past away last year at an early age in his 60's. Dorothy was his inspiration. We owe it all to her for all his fine creations. Condolences to all the family.
Beatrice Applegate Fickert
May 15, 2015
RIP Mrs Rose a student at TR South
Cathlyn (Poulsen) Goggins
May 15, 2015
Dorothy Rose was my art teacher 40 years ago at TRHSS, and I still remember her kindness, her creativity and her excellence as a teacher. My condolences to her friends and family.
Kathy Dugan
May 15, 2015
She was the nicest teacher at South! I had her for Art and she made every class fun! RIP Ms. Rose!
Maryellen
May 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dorothy Roberts Pose. Although I did not know Dorothy, I did know her dear daughter Donna Rose from WJLK 97.3 when she worked in Asbury Park. May Dorothy Roberts Rose R.I.P.
May 14, 2015
A lovely, creative soul. Remembering the many years of Halloween painting in TR. May you paint the heavens eternally. God speed. All of those who you have taught thank you.
Donna (Jaggers) Samuel
May 14, 2015
Such a sweet, gentle soul who taught me so much more than art...thank you for your heart and dedication
May 14, 2015
One of my favorite teachers. You gave me a great start to a life long passion for all things art. Still painting and loving it. Thank you. Pat Ziemer Roberts class of 67.
Chris A Roller
May 14, 2015
I was a student of yours at TRHSS and you were a guiding light and spirit when it came to teaching art. You are mentioned affectionately when I speak to other former students. Until we meet again in heaven.
Joe Rodriguez
May 14, 2015
You were the absolute sweetest, kindest person/teacher ever. It was a pleasure to be a former student. May you paint the clouds for us until we meet again. Rest in Pease.
Joe Rodriguez
May 14, 2015
You were the absolute sweetest, kindest person/teacher ever. It was a pleasure to be a former student. May you paint the clouds for us until we meet again. Rest in Pease.
Joey Rullo
May 14, 2015
Mrs. Rose thanks for always being so kind and fun will miss you until we meet in heaven some day. GOD bless you with love Joe Rullo
Dawne Scott
May 14, 2015
I loved your classes!!
May 14, 2015
Thank you for welcoming all kinds into your room- Karen class '89
Gayle Redepenning
May 14, 2015
I never forgot about you-I learned a lot from you not only were you and outstanding teacher but, an awesome woman. God Bless. TRHSS 1984
Marianne D.
May 14, 2015
Mrs. Rose..You were an exceptional teacher/person. Thank you for always encouraging and promoting my artistic and personal growth. To her family and friends please accept my deepest condolences.
Holly DeParto
May 13, 2015
You will remain in hearts of so many. Rest in peace.
May 13, 2015
A truly inspiring gentle human being...one of my favorite teachers...xo Mrs.Rose..rip..Patricia Higgins class of 93
Amy (Fries) Weston
May 13, 2015
Mrs. Rose was the sweetest art teacher I ever had! She explained how watercolors were just one beautiful wash of colors over another and 1,000 other artistic concepts to me. I did not know that she started the downtown window painting but I am so glad she did - one more of the many great Toms River High School Traditions. She left a beautiful liftime mark on one Jersey Shore town. - class of 1988
Kimberly Buoncristiano
May 13, 2015
Mrs. Rose, You will be greatly missed. You were a very special person with a beautiful soul. You touched the lives of all your students. Thank you for always believing in me and giving me strength, guidance, and advice. Always having an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and tea to make it all better.
Linda Ann Robinson
May 12, 2015
Dottie enriched the lives of many people, including myself. We were neighbors for 10 years in O.Grove until 2010. We kept in touch thereafter as was the case with many of Dottie's friends. I will certainly miss seeing you every summer.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Dorothy Rose's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Dorothy Rose
How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dorothy Rose's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
