Obituary of Rose A. Farraenola

Rose Farraenola, 102, has gone to our Lord in heaven.  Rose is predeceased by her husband, Domenic Farraenola.  She is survived by her children and by many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Rose was a charming person, and she led a charmed life.  She especially loved her work with children, delivering Meals-on-Wheels, and her many adventures while traveling the world.  Rose grew up in the early 1900’s. The youngest of seven, she loved helping in her father’s grocery store.  She could recount colorful stories of those years, despite the overhanging tragedy of the Great Depression.  She never talked of her own hardships, but did witness the suffering and hardships of others.  Experiencing those times taught her to pass on invaluable lessons on being frugal and kind. 

Rose enlisted in the WAVES, and joyfully served her country during WWII.  This was a bold move for a young woman in those days. She loved her country and being of service, then and throughout her life. She saw it as wonderful opportunity and recounted her experiences with enthusiasm.  In fact, she continued to meet with her fellow service women to march in local events for many years after the war.  In later years, she thoroughly enjoyed her chance to visit military sites in Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight. 

After the war, and her marriage, Rose started working at the Charles Settlement House as a camp counselor. Her love of hiking was instilled in the hundreds of youths who toured the various parks in the Rochester area with her.  This work started her on the path to her career as a Physical Education teacher.  She graduated from SUNY Brockport and taught Physical Education at Bishop Kearney, Cardinal Mooney, and in the Rochester City School District.  Again, her favorite stories were about leading her students around Rochester.  And, of course, introducing Power Volleyball to her high school.  Rose made Physical Education so much fun, she inspired several of her students to follow in her footsteps.  It was the perfect profession for someone who loved to move. 

After she retired, Rose discovered and enjoyed the Elderhostel program.  She literally traveled the world with Elderhostel.  From biking through France, to walking the Great Wall when China was just opening up to the world, she enjoyed innumerable adventures.  Her most favorite being her visit to the Galapagos Islands. 

Throughout her lifetime Rose was a parishioner in various Catholic churches in the area: St. Peter and Paul, St. Margaret Mary, St. Joseph, and St. Rita.  Rose served with the Knights of St. John and she worked over 25 years as a volunteer for Visiting Nurse Services.  Many people were delighted when she called out “Meals on Wheels” , as she brought their food and a little “sunshine in her voice”, even in the most inclement weather.  

Most importantly, Rose never wanted anyone to be sad for her, as she lived a wonderful life.  She often insisted her memory be celebrated with a party.  So for those who knew her, please honor that request.  

Services will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at a date to be announced.  A Memorial Mass celebration will also be held at a date to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, Rose would appreciate any of the following: a Perpetual Mass celebration, donations to a Veteran’s organization of your choice, a contribution to Visiting Nurse Services, a cancer organization or any cause you prefer.