Rose Marie Rizzo

Rose Rizzo, a lifelong resident of West Scranton, passed away at the age of 100 in Allied Services Hospice Unit after a brief illness. She will reunite with her beloved husband, Bruno Rizzo, who died in 1991. The couple was married for 45 years. Rose was the daughter of Mary and Salvatore Schiavone, who preceded her in death.

Rose lived a remarkable life. After graduating from West Scranton High School, she worked as a secretary at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. After raising their 5 children, Rose was hired as the Executive Secretary to the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Scranton. In 1982, at the age of 56, Rose received a Master's Degree from the University.

Rose was a devout Catholic who was blessed with a beautiful voice. She sang and served as organist in the choir of St. Lucy's Parish for most of her adult life. In her later years, she joined a volunteer group that entertained patients in senior living homes. The irony of performing well into her 90s for seniors was lost on her.

Rose is survived by her five children: John (Michelle), Ellicott City, Maryland; Mary O'Dea (Dennis, deceased), Dalton; Carol Jurbala (Edward), Wilmington, North Carolina; Elizabeth Griswold (Stephen), Murrells Inlet, SC; and Vincent (Karen), Murrells Inlet, SC. Rose leaves behind seven grandchildren: Sean and Justin O'Dea; Jennie Tober, Lauren Griswold, and Stephen Griswold; Mark and Michael Rizzo; and nine great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Schiavone, and her sisters, Sarah Polites and Ann Marie Patel.

The family wishes to thank caregivers Chrissy Connor and Joanna Nunemaker, the Care Team at Geisinger Hospital, and the staff at Allied Services Hospice who cared for her in her final days.

Friends and Family may visit from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Wednesday at St. Patrick's Church, Jackson Street, Scranton. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow, honoring a life well lived.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Savino Traditional Funerals & Cremation Care. In place of flowers, Rose asks that donations be made to the donor's favorite charity in her name.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com