Rose Keating

Rose Keating, 91, passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, December 31, surrounded by her loving daughters. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Keating.
Born on December 19, 1934, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Carmella (Bilardo) Giorgianna. A first-generation Italian American, Rose grew up in a loving household alongside her six siblings with whom she had a very close relationship. Rose attended primary school in North Brunswick, and she graduated from New Brunswick High School. Upon her graduation, Rose began working at the Visiting Nurses Association of New Brunswick, where she remained until 1970. Upon leaving her position at the VNA, Rose stayed home to raise her three daughters.
In 1963, she was introduced to her late husband, Ray Keating, by her beloved brother Salvatore. After a brief engagement, they married on June 13, 1964, at St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick, where she was a devoted parishioner. After Rose and Ray married, they settled in North Brunswick, where they lived for many years. In 1967, Ray and Rose bought a cottage in Lavallette, where they spent many summers entertaining both family and friends. Eventually, their love for the beach prevailed, and Ray and Rose relocated to the Jersey shore.
Rose was a voracious reader; she loved mysteries, thrillers, and romances. She would reread The Mitford Years and her favorites by Maeve Binchy. She enjoyed ceramics, puzzles, and playing dominoes and cards with her family. She was a lifelong fan of General Hospital and British television. Most of all, Rose enjoyed spending time with her family. She had the good fortune of having a close relationship with her nieces and nephews and her great nieces and nephews. Even when distance separated her from her family, she was delighted to remain connected through Facebook updates, phone calls, and family celebrations.
Rose is survived by her three daughters, Kelly Keating; Kerry Santos and her husband, Jose; and Kristin Keating and her husband, Matthew Bonwell. She is also survived by her cherished granddaughter, Sara Thompsen and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She will be missed by her beloved grand-pets Maggie, Sadie, Milo, and Jinx.
Family and friends may visit on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick. Burial and committal services will follow at Franklin Memorial Park Cemetery in North Brunswick.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.