Obituary for Rose "Skip" M. George
Rose "Skip" Marie (Roche) George of Bliss, New York passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022 at her residence at the age of 91.
She was born July 20, 1931 at home on the McElroy Farm in the Town of Eagle, New York. She was the daughter of the late James A. Roche and Mary L. Maher. Her nickname "Skip" she received from her Uncle David Roche as a child because she reminded him of the "Little Skipper" in the newspaper cartoon character in the 1930's.
Rose Marie began school at the "Dutton" District #6 and then Eagle Village #10 and lastly she attended the Bliss High School and graduated from Letchworth Central School on June 28, 1948.
She was a Laborer for Champion Products in Perry, New York from 1985-1997. Prior to her employment at Champion Products, she had many other professions over the years in the community. She worked for Perry Knitting Mill in 1948, Lee J. Drennan, Inc. in Arcade in 1949, Citizen's Central Bank in 1954, Drennan's/Motorola (which is now Prestolite) in 1955, McKerrow's Red & White in Bliss in 1970, Bookmiller's Red & White in Bliss in 1972, and the Town of Eagle where she served as Town Clerk & Tax Collector from 1972-1984. She also worked as an election inspector for the Wyoming County Board of Elections.
On November 6, 1954, Rose Marie married Carl George at St. Joseph's Church in Bliss, New York. They lived in Bliss where Rose lived to this day. For the rest of her life, her main employment became the raising of her seven children: Karen (David) Tallman of Silver Springs, Marilyn (Philip) Jordan of Bliss, Gary (Connie Grimsley) George of Bliss, Douglas (Debra Meloche) George of East Aurora, Diane (Tom) O'Dell of Silver Springs, Patricia (George Hellvig) Galley of Bliss and Sandra (Steve) Hoxie of Bliss; in-laws, Norm Vetter and Kathy Kephart; as well as 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Rose was predeceased by her husband, parents, her brothers: Richard Roche at birth and Kenneth (Carol Clark) Roche; sister, Theresa (Joseph) Turk; mother-in-law, Florence Dailey; sisters and brothers in-laws: Mary and Jay Hurlburt, Ronald and Carol George, Marge Lavery, Janet Hall, Jeanne Seavert, and Sharon Vetter.
The home-cooked food, canning fruits and freezing vegetables, baking breads and cookies would lead neighborhood children to come in for a bite or to sneak a cookie. The home was always full of family and friends gathering over coffee and discussion while the children played.
Rose and Carl were married for 16 years when Carl suddenly passed on February 9, 1971 leaving her with seven children to raise on her own, a job and responsibility that she stepped up to with courage and grace. She was supported by many family members and friends, but she held her family together through the growing years and her children are very proud of her and have grown to have families of their own.
Rose Marie was a current member of The New St. Mary's Church in Arcade and a past member of St. Joseph's Church in Bliss. She worked on dinners, was a member of the parish council, a secretary and Eucharistic Minister.
She had also been an active member of the Eagle Legion Auxiliary for over 65 years, holding various positions as President, 1st Vice President, Sergeant of Arms, Chaplain, and Secretary where she worked at the various dinners and had been an active member attending the County Auxiliary meetings.
Rose was involved in the Town of Eagle Senior Citizens Group and the Wyoming County Office of the Aging and organized senior citizen trips.
In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling occasionally in the league, knitting mittens, scarves, afghans, gardening and was an avid reader. The children remember being sent to the Eagle Free Library and asking the librarian to find some books that their mother hadn't already read!
These are but a few mentions of a life well lived. All that knew Rose or "Skip," appreciated her tenacity for life, her willingness to move forward even in difficult times and to continue to give of herself as best she could. She has made a difference in the lives of others often unseen.
Friends may call Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 2pm-4pm, and 6pm-8pm at the W.S. Davis Funeral Home, 358 Main St. Arcade where a Ladies Auxiliary service will be held at 5:45pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10am at St. Mary's Church in Arcade with Rev. Joseph Gullo officiating. Final interment will be held in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Arcade.
Memorials may be made to the Eagle Free Library, 3413 School St. Bliss, NY 14024.
She was born July 20, 1931 at home on the McElroy Farm in the Town of Eagle, New York. She was the daughter of the late James A. Roche and Mary L. Maher. Her nickname "Skip" she received from her Uncle David Roche as a child because she reminded him of the "Little Skipper" in the newspaper cartoon character in the 1930's.
Rose Marie began school at the "Dutton" District #6 and then Eagle Village #10 and lastly she attended the Bliss High School and graduated from Letchworth Central School on June 28, 1948.
She was a Laborer for Champion Products in Perry, New York from 1985-1997. Prior to her employment at Champion Products, she had many other professions over the years in the community. She worked for Perry Knitting Mill in 1948, Lee J. Drennan, Inc. in Arcade in 1949, Citizen's Central Bank in 1954, Drennan's/Motorola (which is now Prestolite) in 1955, McKerrow's Red & White in Bliss in 1970, Bookmiller's Red & White in Bliss in 1972, and the Town of Eagle where she served as Town Clerk & Tax Collector from 1972-1984. She also worked as an election inspector for the Wyoming County Board of Elections.
On November 6, 1954, Rose Marie married Carl George at St. Joseph's Church in Bliss, New York. They lived in Bliss where Rose lived to this day. For the rest of her life, her main employment became the raising of her seven children: Karen (David) Tallman of Silver Springs, Marilyn (Philip) Jordan of Bliss, Gary (Connie Grimsley) George of Bliss, Douglas (Debra Meloche) George of East Aurora, Diane (Tom) O'Dell of Silver Springs, Patricia (George Hellvig) Galley of Bliss and Sandra (Steve) Hoxie of Bliss; in-laws, Norm Vetter and Kathy Kephart; as well as 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Rose was predeceased by her husband, parents, her brothers: Richard Roche at birth and Kenneth (Carol Clark) Roche; sister, Theresa (Joseph) Turk; mother-in-law, Florence Dailey; sisters and brothers in-laws: Mary and Jay Hurlburt, Ronald and Carol George, Marge Lavery, Janet Hall, Jeanne Seavert, and Sharon Vetter.
The home-cooked food, canning fruits and freezing vegetables, baking breads and cookies would lead neighborhood children to come in for a bite or to sneak a cookie. The home was always full of family and friends gathering over coffee and discussion while the children played.
Rose and Carl were married for 16 years when Carl suddenly passed on February 9, 1971 leaving her with seven children to raise on her own, a job and responsibility that she stepped up to with courage and grace. She was supported by many family members and friends, but she held her family together through the growing years and her children are very proud of her and have grown to have families of their own.
Rose Marie was a current member of The New St. Mary's Church in Arcade and a past member of St. Joseph's Church in Bliss. She worked on dinners, was a member of the parish council, a secretary and Eucharistic Minister.
She had also been an active member of the Eagle Legion Auxiliary for over 65 years, holding various positions as President, 1st Vice President, Sergeant of Arms, Chaplain, and Secretary where she worked at the various dinners and had been an active member attending the County Auxiliary meetings.
Rose was involved in the Town of Eagle Senior Citizens Group and the Wyoming County Office of the Aging and organized senior citizen trips.
In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling occasionally in the league, knitting mittens, scarves, afghans, gardening and was an avid reader. The children remember being sent to the Eagle Free Library and asking the librarian to find some books that their mother hadn't already read!
These are but a few mentions of a life well lived. All that knew Rose or "Skip," appreciated her tenacity for life, her willingness to move forward even in difficult times and to continue to give of herself as best she could. She has made a difference in the lives of others often unseen.
Friends may call Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 2pm-4pm, and 6pm-8pm at the W.S. Davis Funeral Home, 358 Main St. Arcade where a Ladies Auxiliary service will be held at 5:45pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10am at St. Mary's Church in Arcade with Rev. Joseph Gullo officiating. Final interment will be held in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Arcade.
Memorials may be made to the Eagle Free Library, 3413 School St. Bliss, NY 14024.