Rose Marie Laughlin

As the fireworks came to an end on the 4th of July, our beautiful Rose’s time on this earth came to an end and she went home to Heaven to be with her beloved husband John, and her cherished daughter Amy. Rose was everything to her family. She was our Mom, Gram, Grammy, Ra-Ra, Rose Marie, and Razzie; our confidante, comfort, teacher, role model, biggest supporter, and all of our best friend. She was the kindest soul, so deeply generous and so genuinely good. Her faith in Jesus never wavered and she was always asking if there was anything she could help anyone with or anything she could do for others. She lived for her family. She was truly the most perfect person. 

Rose was a 1949 graduate of Divine Providence Academy, and she received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Carlow College in 1971. For over 50 years, Rose was a passionate and much-loved teacher to so many in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, spending most of her career at St. James Catholic School in Wilkinsburg. She loved her students like they were her own children. She proudly directed a “Passion Play” show each school year, which depicted the life and death of Jesus. Prior to retiring, she spent years substituting for the Diocese of Tucson. Her legacy will last for years to come in all of the children that passed through her classroom.

Rose was the best mom, grandma, and great-grandma ever. She will live on in each and all of our hearts. 

Rose is survived by her beloved daughter Meribeth (Tom) Ford; her six beautiful granddaughters, Megan Wadding, Brenna Wadding, Shannon Ford, Kennedy Owen, Rachel Ford, and Erin Ford; her favorite great-grandson, Owen Cooley; her patient son-in-law, David W. Owen; her cherished brother John E. Maloy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Rose was preceded in death by her beloved husband John J. Laughlin, and her beautiful daughter Amy Owen, who passed just over a year ago.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. James Catholic Church (718 Franklin Ave. Wilkinsburg) on July 14 at 10:00 am.  Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum (718  Hazelwood Ave Pittsburgh)

Memorial contributions should be sent to Grane Hospice (1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Unit 205, Camp Hill, PA 17011)

Funeral arrangements are being handled by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street in Pittsburgh.

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