Rosemary R. Mangold

Rosemary R. Mangold, of Munhall, took the hand of her beloved late husband of 38 years, Kyran J. "Chuck" Mangold, to enjoy eternity on a beach together on November 7, 2025, just two weeks shy of her 72nd birthday. She left on a wave of tears and love, surrounded by her adoring daughter and son-in-law, Kyra C. Mangold and Adam Ostovich, and most importantly, her treasured granddaughter, Isla Rose.
For more than 15 years, Rose faced every catastrophic health challenge life threw her way. Against all odds, she continually defied expectations. She had more lives than most cats, and often joked that she was Murphy's Law Incarnate. She facetiously waited for the day she'd be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite her remarkable strength and will, her body just could not keep pace with her spirit this time. While she is finally at peace, so too is her team of very sweaty and exhausted guardian angels.
Formerly of Scottdale, she was a 1971 graduate of Southmoreland Junior-Senior High School. Rose went on to major in art at Edinboro University, where she created lifelong friendships and a collection of beautiful art pieces that still adorn her home. She never lost her creative spark and enjoyed coloring, painting, knitting, and undoing the vast majority of stiches she attempted to crochet. It was also at Edinboro where she met the love of her life, Chuck, while working at his restaurant, Mama Dora's. Together they shared 46 wonderful (and admittedly weird at times...it was Chuck after all!) years until his passing in 2022. Later, Rose earned her Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh and used it throughout her career as Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She had an extraordinary gift for remembering every student she met and she often stayed in touch with many of them long after graduation; she was so proud of their accomplishments as their practices flourished, and excitedly watched as marriages happened and children entered the world.
Rose was most proud of her beloved family, and that grew to include many of her daughter's friends that she and Chuck lovingly "adopted" over the years. No child was too "different" to receive her love, and their home was often a hub of eclectic teen-aged Steel Valley band kids and Pitt undergrad students as Kyra branched out on her own. Two in particular, Te'Shon Farr-Davis and Shante Garner, made a special place in her heart. Alecia Wilson-Johnston (along with Maddie and Bennett), Katey Wilson, and her godson, David Wilson, were among her other cherished "children," and she loved each of them dearly.
She was the daughter of the late Alexander F. "Pups," Jr., and Elizabeth "Louise" (Rozell) Helkowski; beloved sister of Anita (Doug) Shontz of St. Cloud, FL, and the late Christina Helkowsky; sister-in-law of Albert J., Jr., and Barbara Mae Mangold, Rose Mangold-Pierce, Henry J. "Hank" and Colleen Mangold, and the late Leo and the late Norma Jean Mangold. She was a proud aunt to Lisa (Brent) Graham, Brent Mangold, Rob (Motoko) Tichi (Rob, she still hasn't forgiven you for sticking your tongue out in her wedding photos), Ashley (Adam) Borrelli, Shannon (Jeff) Froetschel, and Barry, David, and Cindy Mangold, along with their families. She was also a special cousin to generations of the extended Flannagan, Helkowski, Helkowsky, Heller, Henderson, Martin, Ohler, Pikovsky, Rozell, Schmook, Sirianni, and Stansak families who were raised together like siblings. She is being warmly greeted by a huge hall filled with generations of aunts, uncles, and cousins, complete with polka music, haluski, and a never-ending supply of stuffed cabbages.
Rose cherished her many friends and neighbors who became extended family, including the families of David and Debbie Wilson, Steven Levine, Michael and Donna Perovich, Vince and the late Leanne Natale, and the rest of the beloved Woodlawn neighborhood. She will also be dearly missed by her furry companions - cats, Chungus "Chunk" Humongous and Bean; grand-corgi, Yoshi; and grand-cat, Bella. Waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge are Newton, Dorito, Izzy, Ben, Mittens, Moe, Festus, Fat-Cat, and a host of other beloved pets ready for their next nap with her.
Family and friends will be received at the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120, on Friday, November 14, from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM. A short Celebration of Life will conclude the visitation at 7:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 15, 10 AM, at the St. Therese of Lisieux Church of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Munhall. She and Chuck will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, at a later date.
To Rose, education was so important. In lieu of flowers, she would be honored to have contributions made toward her granddaughters PA529 education savings account. Isla's unique code is J3Q-B36.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported Rose in recent months - especially Amber, Katie, and the rest of the staff at Cranberry Place; Miss Kim, Miss ReRe, and Miss Cheryl of Home Sweet Home; Ashley of Advanced Home Health and Hospice; and Gina Natale, Stacy Doak, and Bert and Barb Mangold for their unwavering kindness, care, and compassion throughout her final journey.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and above all, kindness. One of Rose's final thoughts before she passed was that she never took an "I love you" for granted. She loved you all and thanks each of you for loving her in return.
Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.
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