Rose Marie Schmitz

Mrs. Rose Marie Speno Schmitz, AKA " Jackie" entered the presence of her Lord and Savior April 6, 2015 after a brief illness. Born in Plainfield, NJ, God blessed her with a long and vibrant life. She was the next to youngest of 9 children born to Josephine and Matthew Speno. She attended Lincoln school and graduated from Plainfield High School. She became a Registered Nurse and traveled out west to start her nursing career in Reno, Nevada. Several years later, she returned to Plainfield to care for her sick father. Even though she thought there were no good men in Plainfield, she met and fell in love with the love of her life, Joseph K Schmitz. They shared their love and life together for 49 years, during which time they raised four raucous children along with Jackie's mom, a feisty Italian grandmother. With the nursing career in the past, Jackie made a hospitable home where all were welcomed and all left well-fed. Many a day, with children cowering, hungry homeless people would come to the back door for a meal. The house came more alive after dinner, starting at 9pm, when all her friends and political cohorts would come over for coffee, cake, wine, and lively discussions. Jackie remained active in local politics, even campaigning for her daughter, Carol, running for City Council. She remained highly involved in her children's schooling, and was elected President of Barlow School PTA. On Monday nights, you would often find her at the City Council meetings voicing her opinions on the state of local and federal politics. Jackie travelled far and wide, and was in the midst of planning her next trip to North Carolina and Texas. Jackie was devoted to God and Jesus and loved the traditions and values that her faith imparted to her. Her Christian faith, not only blessed her with eternal life, but spurred her on to a life filled with good works and charity towards all she met. She enjoyed vigor and quality of life despite suffering 2 broken hips, broken arm, broken wrist, 3 stints, an aneurysm repair, and multiple bowel obstructions, she was always positive, "like the stock market, up and down" and was always up for a party, the Jersey shore, or travel anywhere.

She leaves behind those who cherish her memory, Barbara Schmitz Miller daughter, her husband Bruce R. Miller, granddaughters Elizabeth A. Miller Thornton and her husband Brian, Katherine R. Miller,. Daughter Carol Schmitz Hightower and her husband Leigh. Daughter Nancy E. Schmitz who became her best friend and caregiver til the end, of the home, and son, Joseph J. Schmitz and daughter-in-law Joanne Schmitz, granddaughter Kelly L. Schmitz and grandson Joseph W. Schmitz, both of the home.

The family wishes to express our love and gratitude to Brenda Hagans who was a faithful friend and companion to Jackie and filled her days with joy, laughter, and praises to God. In addition, the family acknowledges a long-time family friend, MaryLou Ward who spent many a spaghetti dinners with Jackie. We would also like to express our appreciation for the professional and compassionate care she received from her physicians and nurses at Overlook Hospital over the past several days.

Arrangements are being made through Rossi Funeral Home, 1937 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains, NJ, 07076. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 9th from 5pm to 8pm. A Catholic mass to celebrate her life will be held at St. Bernard's Church, 368 Sumner Ave, Plainfield, NJ at 10am. Internment will be alongside her husband at St. Mary's Stony Hill in Berkley Heights

Contributions can be made to St. Bernards/St. Stanislaus Parish, 368 Sumner Ave., Plainfield, NJ or the Covenant House, Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900.