Rose Helen Wagner

Rose Helen Wagner (Mele) 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31st, 2025.
Born Rosina Helen Mele on March 4, 1928 in Jersey City, NJ. Rose was the youngest of 11 children. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles Wagner, her parents Virginia and Salvatore Mele, and her siblings: Louise Barbagallo, Betty Spiotto, Mary Senk, Salvatore (Sam), Frank, Tony, Joseph, Andrew, Anthony, and Nicolas Mele.
Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Rose is survived by her children; Lynn Wiegand and her husband Michael, Charles (Chuck) Wagner and his wife Elise Meyer-Wagner, Elise Wagner and her fiancé Gabe Fernandez, and Grandson Addison Wiegand and his wife Leah Davis-Wiegand.
Rose is also survived by her nieces Carol, Nancy, Audrey, Anita, Barbara, nephew Michael and many Grand nieces and nephews.
Rose grew up in Jersey City, NJ and graduated Dickinson High School. She worked in clerical, secretarial positions before meeting the love of her life Charlie. She loved to share her stories about cooking, and trips to the local market with her mother, working with her father and brothers in the family home painting business, growing up with her siblings, and her jobs at; The Jersey Journal, Colgate, and Dixon Pencil Companies.
Rose met her Charlie at a masquerade party in 1950 in New Jersey when he was in the Army and they married on April 19, 1952. They both loved music. Mom was a fan of Frank Sinatra, and she & dad both enjoyed dancing to big band music, they went on many dance dates at the Ritz in New York. Mom also enjoyed musical movie productions. We have wonderful memories of our parents taking us to Radio City Music Hall for musical movies like The Sound of Music.
Rose was always creative. She loved sketching, painting, writing /journaling, and sewing. Her nurtured artistic talents live on in her daughter Elise Wagner; an accomplished talented artist and instructor, and her grandson Addison Wiegand in Animation and Video Editing.
In her later years Rose enjoyed, word puzzles, reading, playing cards and Bingo, and she loved creative activities. She won at Bingo often, and was dubbed the Bingo Queen by her friends at Vista. Her room was adorned with her creations and prizes/trophies from her Bingo winnings.
Rose navigated challenges in life through her deep faith in God, prayer, and in cultivating hope. Her steadfast hope and quiet resilience taught her children perseverance. She was a courageous woman. Always telling us: "You're Beautiful, I love you, please be happy."
Rose in her tiny 4'10 petite frame, had the most wonderful laugh and the cutest giggle, both were very contagious. She carried a thick New Jersey accent, and an overall adorableness about her, that those who knew and loved her fully appreciated. We were blessed, and are so thankful to have had both of our parents for as long as we did, and to be able to celebrate their 25th, 50th, 60th, and 65th wedding anniversaries with them.
May the mercy of God, and Our Lord Jesus Christ healing grace give us the strength to embrace our joyous memories, nurture peace, and let go.
Rose is reunited in eternity with her loving soul mate Charlie. Until we meet again Thank you for your love and devotion to our family. We love you Mom, Nana.
Thank you to all of our extended family and friends for your heartfelt prayers, condolences, love, and support during this difficult time.
Our profound gratitude to the entire staff of Vista Nursing & Rehabilitation in Pasadena, TX who provided compassionate, loving care to our mother the past 4 years, and also cared for our father prior to his passing August 2021.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Darst Funeral Home in Kingwood, TX for their kind loving support and assistance during the loss of both of our parents.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice; or to:
Vista Nursing & Rehabilitation, 4300 Vista Rd., Pasadena, TX 77504
Attn: Activity Department Director