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Rosa Eickhoff Obituary

Rosa Lee Eickhoff PENNINGTON - Rosa Lee Eickhoff passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2014. She was the daughter of the late Frankie Elmer and Gladys B Smith. Born in Butler, Missouri, she spent her first sixteen years on a farm near Adrian, Missouri, a time she recalled fondly throughout her life. She played basketball and was the catcher for her high school softball team. Rosa Lee loved young people and earned bachelors and masters degrees in education. During her lifetime, she taught kindergarten and worked with college students. In 1979, she moved to Pennington, NJ after her husband was appointed president of Trenton State College. She served as the institution's first-lady for nineteen years, where her warmth as a hostess, passion for entertaining and excellent cooking were enjoyed by countless students and members of the College community. She was highly visible on the campus, attending concerts, athletic events and other student-centered activities. In addition, she worked full time for 25 years enthusiastically advising students at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, NJ. Rosa Lee was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Ewing, NJ, a member of P.E.O. AM Chapter, and a world traveler. Above all, she loved her family and in reflecting on them always said she was "richly blessed." Sister of the late C.V. "Virgil" Smith and Jack Smith, she is survived by Harold W. Eickhoff , her beloved husband of 59 years; daughter Sharon Italiano and her husband Joseph of Elkton, MD; daughter Janet Eickhoff and her friends Tracy Radler, Suzanne and Josie Merrill of Ewing, NJ. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Angelica Italiano, Parrie Italiano, and Dominique Italiano. Mrs. Eickhoff will be deeply missed. Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7,from 10:00 to 11"00 a.m at the Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church 1125 Parkside Ave,. Ewing with the Rev. Fred Gerlack, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Harbourton Cemetery, 1 516 Harbourton Rocktown Road, Hopewell Township.. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m at the Blackwell Memorial Home, 21 North Main St., Pennington.. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends consider a contribution to the Rosa Lee Eickhoff Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of The College of New Jersey Foundation, 2000 Pennington Rd., Ewing, NJ 08628. For condolences visit our website at blackwellmh.com. Visitation
Published by The Trentonian from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosa Eickhoff

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valerie brown

October 31, 2019

Warm caring memories of Rosie....rest in peace.

valerie brown

November 10, 2014

Rosa was an angel. A beautiful, kind, and loving person always smiling. Wish I could have spent more time with her but I do have fond memories that I will cherish. So so sorry Harold and family on your loss. Look to the heavens and be blessed. Condolences and prayers to you all.

Paul and Susan Shelly

November 10, 2014

We feel very fortunate to have known Rosa Lee as an academic mentor and a friend. She was always positive, always encouraging and with her guidance, Susan achieved all her academic aspirations at Thomas Edison State College. No doubt she provided similar guidance to hundreds of Thomas Edison State College and The College of New Jersey students over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

November 9, 2014

Harold and Janet,

Our payers and condolences are with you. Rosa was a wonderful person and a friend and example to all who knew her.
May she rest in peace.

Bill and Peggy Mate
Jupiter, Florida

Connie Eickhoff

November 8, 2014

Dear Eickhoff family, I am so sorry for the loss of Aunt Rosa Lee. My memories of her all have her attending to others with a loving smile and wonderful laugh. May you all know the peace of God during this time and also know that I am thinking of you, too.

November 8, 2014

Dear Dr. Eickhoff, I was not privileged to meet your dear wife, Rosa Lee but did serve with you on the Pennington School Board and we met several times in my capacity as pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ewing. I'm sorry for your loss and pray God's peace be yours during these challenging days. George E. Morris

Audrey Roblin Fenters

November 7, 2014

You have been my friend and classmate since high school days in Adrian, Mo. My heart is heavy for all the dear ones you've left behind and I'm praying for all of them. What an inspiring and gracious person you've been in your lifetime!! I truly loved you, Smitty!

Yesuratnam Guadarrama

November 7, 2014

"At the end of the day, people won't remember what you said or did; they will remember how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Anyone who had the privilege of getting to know Rosa Lee, also had a story about her. Within the multitude of stories, I am certain that they all share the same positive tone. I join others in expressing my sorrow at losing such a bright light, and one of my beloved mentors. I can only hope that her light will shine on in the lives that she touched.

My condolences and prayers for the family; I'm so, so sorry.

November 7, 2014

Janet,
I am deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Doris Simmons

Steve Gaissert

November 6, 2014

My sincere condolences to Dr. Eickhoff. In the short time that I knew her, I was deeply impressed by Rosa Lee's grace and elegance.

Debbie Lutz

November 6, 2014

The world is definitely a sadder, less kind and gentle place without the amazing and wonderful Rosa Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, hold on tight to each other and remember how she touched so MANY and how her example led us all to be better people. Safe journey, Rosa Lee.

Shirley James, TESC

November 6, 2014

Janet, Harold and family, I was truly sadden to hear the new of Rosa Lee's passing. She was the most wonderful, sweet and caring person I've met in a long time. She never changed, she always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will truly be missed. My prayers are with the family! God bless!

Lorraine Thompson

November 6, 2014

Mr. Eickhoff, Janet, Sharon and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother, and my friend. I truly loved her and will miss just sending her a sweet hello. May your hearts be warmed with peace and each day be strengthened. Much love to you all!

Maryann Curaney

November 6, 2014

Janet, I am deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family.

Helen Elmer

November 6, 2014

Sincere condolences to the Eickhoff family. Rosa Lee was very special and will be missed.
Helen Elmer and the Staff of Pennington Crimper

Gina Fritzinger

November 6, 2014

Janet, Mr. Eickhoff, Sharon and family,
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Mrs. Eickhoff was such a beautiful woman and mother. She was such a sweet, kind and caring person to all of us as kids growing up. Our prayers are with you all at this time.
Fondly, Gina Dovi Fritzinger and Family

Kerry Harrington

November 5, 2014

My heart goes out to you and your family Janet during this difficult time. I was saddened to hear this news, but was reminded of what an amazingly strong, gracious, kind and sweet woman she was. My deepest condolences for your loss.

George Black

November 5, 2014

Our prayers and best wishes go to the Eickhoff family. Rosa Lee was a high school classmate who will be sadly missed by all who knew her. May God's comforting hand ease your sorrow and we have the Blessed Hope of being reunited with our loved ones in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Carole Bridges

November 5, 2014

My sincere condolences to the Eickhoff family. Rosa Lee was truly a magnificent First Lady at TCNJ. She will be missed. Carole Bridges

Dottie Sconyers

November 5, 2014

Wishing the Eickhoff family fond memories of dear, sweet Rosa Lee to always comfort you.

Senior Trip 1951, Branson MO.

Shilrey (Netz) Kirby

November 5, 2014

Dear, dear Rosa Lee. What a time we had as kids:. Grade school, First Christian Church, AHS, and Central MO State College roommates. I'm sorry we couldn't have quality time together as adults. We both loved our dear old Adrian High. May your family find peace and comfort knowing you are in the arms of our Savior and home with your beloved mother and father.

Nancy and Chelsea Sandmeyer

November 5, 2014

Our prayers go out to the Eickhoff family. Rosa Lee, a woman of smiles, graciousness, and gentleness, will always have a place in our hearts. Your faith will be your comfort. (John 3:16)

November 5, 2014

May God bless you and your family at
this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
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Nov

6

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Blackwell Memorial Home

21 N Main St, Pennington, NJ 08534

Nov

7

Funeral service

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church

1125 Parkside Ave, Ewing , NJ

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Blackwell Memorial Home

21 N Main St, Pennington, NJ 08534

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