Rosalee Antolini

Rosalee Kathryn Gordon Antolini, 96, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, April 27th surrounded by loving family members. Rosalee was a lifetime WV resident, primarily in the Kerens, Harding, and Elkins areas. Rosalee was born on September 11, 1928 in Kerens, WV to Lulu Bell and James Ottis Gordon. In May 1953 she married the love of her life, Romeo Antolini, whom she remained devoted to her entire life with a love for him that never faded despite his early departure from this earthly life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Romeo, her parents and her 3 brothers, Russell, Arlie and Melvin and 1 sister, Susan Sainato. She is survived by her 7 children, Joan Marie Phillips (and late husband, William) of Winfield, WV, Stephen Antolini and wife Theda of Harding, WV, Carolyn Dolly and husband Randall of Belington, WV, Cynthia Soper (and late husband, Robert) of Audubon, NJ, Janet Antolini Severino and husband Jeffrey of Pataskala, OH, Michelle Antolini Ward and husband Ross of Mechanicsville, VA, and R. Thomas Antolini and wife Kimberly of Ocean Isle, NC. She was loved and will be missed dearly by 20 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren. Family was the cornerstone of Rosalee's heart and soul as she dedicated her life to being a mother, provider, and lover of children. Her loving care extended to her passion for gardening and canning. Her greatest joy came from raising her family and then watching that love spread through their children. Anyone who knew Rosalee remembers her as very strong, resilient, valiant, independent, and faithful despite overwhelming life odds. She was known to sleep with a rosary under her pillow and a rifle under her bed. Never a stranger to a bingo card, a lottery ticket, or a jigsaw puzzle, these seemingly trivial tasks are indicative of her forever spirit of hope for a brighter future or more beautiful picture. Her family is most comforted at this time in knowing that Rosalee is finally reunited after 54 years in peace and eternal rest with Romeo. Go in peace, dear mother, and tell dad we love him. The family will receive friends from 10:45 am until 11:45 am Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Elkins. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon Friday with Father Ed Tetteh and Deacon Raymond Godwin as the celebrants. Interment will follow in St. Brendan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to CAMC Children's Advocacy Center via CAMC Foundation. Address 3414 Staunton Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Rosalee Kathryn Gordon Antolini. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.