Rosalyn Ann Chuvala

Rosalyn Chuvala was born in 1938 in the midst one of the worst hurricanes in recorded history. She was a tomboy in the World War II era, terrorizing the neighborhood boys and teaching herself how to fall like a paratrooper off of her bed. In her teens in the 1950's, she loved rock 'n' roll, and would listen to Bill Haley and the Comets at top volume while holding a transistor radio next to her ear. She was an exceptional athlete at a time when not many girls were, earning five varsity letters in basketball and softball. In her younger life, she liked to ski, hunt, scuba, run, and play paddle tennis. later in life she was a faithful yoga practitioner for over 30 years. She had a brilliant mind. She loved science and medicine, and graduated from both high school and nursing school at the top of her class. She remained a nurse for the rest of her life, not fully retiring until she was 81 years old. Much of her work involved mental health and substance abuse treatment, and through her deep compassion and incredible intuition, she helped countless people to choose a sober life. She herself chose a life without alcohol or substances for the past 42 years. A polymath, she was curious about absolutely everything politics, language, finance, psychology, spirituality, mysticism, science and nature, language, art, music and design. Well into her 80's she was learning German, Spanish and taking Shakespeare classes online. Her knowledge of vitamins, nutrition, herbs and holistic health was extensive, and family members were always calling her to ask for health advice.
She had a gorgeous singing voice. Her children remember her being part of the Charles Pope Chorusters, and the Sweet Adelines. A beautiful solo she sang in the Mikado is a particularly special memory. In her 20s, she was trained by a master who had sent opera singers to La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera House. He told her that she could become an opera star if she wished. She chose family instead, and had 3 children with her first husband: Theresa, Rosalyn and David, who count themselves extremely blessed to have had her as a mother. Theresa lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut with husband Jim and is the mother of sons Orlando and William. Rosalyn Junior lives in Tucson, Arizona with Rosalyn Senior's grandpets Peanut, a Catahoula hound, and Abby, a tabby calico. David lives with wife Michelle in Latham, NY and is the father of daughters Raine Rosalyn, 19, and Isabel, 16. All of Rosalyn's grandchildren as well as many nieces were close to her and present near the time of her passing.
Rosalyn was one of 5 children from her mother and father, Rosalyn and Martin Chuvala. She was predeceased by her older sister Joan, and is survived by her younger siblings Betty Jane Ross of Danbury, CT, J. Thomas Chuvala (Nikki) of Maryland, and David Chuvala (Kathy) of Southbury, CT.
Rosalyn battled several major illnesses throughout her lifetime. She was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, and beat it once before succumbing to it on September 19, 2024. At 85 years old, she was such a treasure to friends and family that her children had to make a schedule for all of the people who wanted to come by and offer their good wishes. Cards, gifts, artwork, tokens of hope and healing piled up in her bedroom. A very beautiful woman, she enjoyed an abundance of male attention throughout her lifetime. This was true up until a week before she passed, when her daughter found that a would-be gentleman friend had reached out hopefully to her via text message. Sorry, sir. You really missed out. Her hospice nurse chose to visit Rosalyn at the end of her workday so that she could clock out and then spend extra time with her favorite patient. When Rosalyn passed, this nurse said, "I cannot overstate how much I got out of knowing her the trajectory of my life and my practice has been forever changed because of knowing your mother." Rosalyn's family is tremendously grateful for the support of her "sister" friends, a lovely bunch of ladies who kept her laughing, growing, and alive throughout the second half of her life. Gratitude in abundance for Claire, Maggie, Alice, Alyson, Andres, Denise and the many many more who supported her and the family at the worst time in her life. Gratitude in abundance for sister Betty Jane Ross, an angel in striped tee shirts who kept all around her a little more lighthearted. She was one of the most intelligent people we will ever know. She was also one of the wisest, and most compassionate. At the end of her life, she was fond of saying "well you know, in the end, the only thing that really matters is kindness. Be kind. Be as kind as you can." Mom, Gram, sister, Aunt, Friend we already miss you more than we can truly bear. We could spend the rest of our lives thanking you, and it would never be enough. We are forever more loving, forever more compassionate, forever more curious, forever more alive, forever more well, everything-because of who you were. Whoop it up with Joan and the family, we will see you in due time. We know you rest in peace.
Services will be at Pruyn House, 207 Old Niskayuna Road. Latham. October 20. at 11:00 Am.