Rose M. Shooks

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Rose M Shooks. Known to many as Aunt Rosie, she unexpectedly passed away in her home in Hurlock, MD December 5, 2025. She was born on August 15, 1939 in Dorchester County, the daughter of the late Oneida W. Shooks and Edward Shooks.

In addition to her parents, Rosie was preceded in death by her siblings Thomas Nelson Shooks, Mamie L. Rossy, Florence I. Bowdle, U. Arthur Wilkerson Jr, Willis E Shooks and Norma W Todd, along with her beloved niece Sandra Diebler and nephew Brian (Bee) Todd. Rosie is survived by several loved nieces and nephews including those who were lucky enough to grow up with and share the same home, including William A Todd, Dennis E. Todd, Louis Thomas Todd Jr and Janice Tesi and their spouses, respectively Cathy Todd, Fran Todd, Susan Todd, and Gerard Tesi.

Rose graduated from North Dorchester High School where she excelled in sports, holding a long standing basketball record. She started work at Airpax after graduating high school and remained until her retirement over 50 years later. During those years, she spent countless hours at Johnnys' Tavern, Pennypackers and traveling, always with friends. After retirement, she filled her time caring for and spoiling her beloved great niece and nephew, Sage and Sangston Tesi and continued to enjoy summer vacations in Ocean City. She also loved spending time at Hometown Pride, enjoying the company, gossip, food and land lots of laughster with friends that were more like family. But her heart was with the Tesi family including Jan Tesi (Todd) who she treated like a daughter from the earliest years, husband Gerry Tesi and children Sage and Sangston. She shared their home and her heart, caring for and spoiling them and even enjoying the houseful of pets that often chose her lap. Everyone knew Aunt Rosie was the best source of love in the family.

Rosie's passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of all that knew her but her legacy of generosity, thoughtfulness, sass and toughness will continue to inspire and make us smile.

We will celebrate a life well lived on December 12, 2025 at Zeller Funeral home with a viewing at 11am and services at noon. Please join us and feel free to share any stories, as we know there are many!