Rose Ann Breithaupt

1926 - 2016

Rose Ann Breithaupt

RICHMOND, VA: Rose Ann Breithaupt, 90, departed this life May 22, 2016 surrounded by her family at home in Richmond, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Breithaupt, and daughter, Theresa Louise Atkins. Surviving are son Charles Breithaupt of Waynesboro, Virginia and daughters Patricia Coiner of Columbus, Georgia, Cynthia Earley of Richmond, Virginia, and Rose Mary Gillespie of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Also surviving are her sister Brigette Moran and brother Tony Nicolosi of Marion, Ohio and sister Josephine Thompson of Springfield, Illinois.

Born May 6, 1926 to Sicilian immigrants James Nicolosi and Rose Giallombardo, Rose grew up in Marion, Ohio; she graduated from Harding High School and attended Ohio State University.

Attracted by DuPont and the Shenandoah Valley, Rose and Ed raised their family in Waynesboro, Virginia. Rose was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for many years and a volunteer for the Waynesboro Hospital Auxiliary.

She was an enthusiastic and lifelong quilter and a member of The Quilting Ladies, a group of wonderful women meeting every Thursday since 1979. Even after leaving Waynesboro, she continued to quilt and stayed true to the motto, "Whoever dies with the most fabric wins".

She was an ardent collector of Virginia Metalcrafter items, having worked there for a short period in the 1970's. She continued to search estate sales for treasures at every opportunity, seeing value and potential in the smallest of things. Over the years she maintained her love for her Alma Mater Ohio State University and would cheer for the Buckeyes whenever they played.

She loved Frank Sinatra music, and bringing order and beauty to her surroundings. Often caught making meticulous adjustments to her environment, she believed in the power of atmosphere. A great cook, she regaled her family over and over with her signature dish - Spaghetti Pie. She was devoted to her family and loved being surrounded by her 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The grin of a small child brought a particular smile to her face that nothing else quite could.

A strong woman marked by compassion and a gentle spirit, Rose will be missed greatly by her community and her family, but we rest in the knowledge that she is Home with her Lord, and look forward to reunification.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St John Catholic Church on June 9 at 11:00, with reception following. Private inurnment at Augusta Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.