Rose L Phillips' Obituary
Rose Olivieri Nicholson Phillips
Rose Olivieri Nicholson Phillips died on April 5th, at the age of 97, at her daughter Eileen’s house in Arizona where she had resided in recent years.
She was born in Brockway, New York, on April 21, 1923 and was the daughter of Tarquinio and Anna Capotoli Olivieri. She was a 1941 graduate of Beacon High school and was employed by Kartiganer’s until her marriage at St. John’s Church to Robert F. Nicholson on November 24, 1946. They had a wonderful marriage and resided at 15 South Brett Street until Bob’s death on January 11, 1979.
Rose was an active member of St. Rocco’s Ladies Auxiliary from which she received a 50 year life membership that she was very proud of. Rose worked as a teacher’s aide at South Avenue, Sargent, and Rombout Schools. She married Gordon Phillips on September 12, 1987, and they were very active in the Senior centers in Beacon and Glenham, going on many trips. Rose and Gordon relocated to Tucson, Arizona in 1995. Gordon died in 2000.
Until recently Rose was an active member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church senior group. She was also a very enthusiastic participant in the Countryside Heights neighborhood bunco group.
Rose was quite technologically savvy and until recently she regularly kept in touch with her large family via e mail. For her age she was quite adept at downloading pictures and seeking out information. She enjoyed following the New York Yankees, particularly Derek Jeter, and figure skater Michelle Kwan. She was also fond of Frank Sinatra and Judge Judy, who she usually agreed with. She was a regular walker and an enthusiastic card player, especially pinochle, rummy and bunco. She also enjoyed frequent trips to the casinos.
Above all Rose was most proud of her large family that stretched across the country. Rose did not miss many events that involved her family and as recently as 18 months ago had flown back to New York for a baby shower for one of her many grandchildren.
Rose is the last of the Olivieri family of Wolcott Avenue in Beacon. She was predeceased by her sister Gilda Stella and her five brothers, Armand, Michael, Mario, Rocco and Frank Olivieri, and one nephew, Frank Olivieri Junior.
She is survived by her four children, Christine (Bruce) Sutphin of Clifton Park, N.Y., Kathleen (Howard) Youngs of Tucson, Arizona, John (Susan) Nicholson of Sahuarita, Arizona, and Eileen (William) Leith of Marana, Arizona.
She is also survived by eleven grandchildren. Mark and Wendy Youngs of Tucson, Bruce (Tonya) Sutphin of Clifton Park, John (Karen) Sutphin of Loudonville, N.Y., Karolyn Rose (Glenn) Thompson of Clifton Park, Kathleen (Victor) Farrell of West Orange, New Jersey, Robin (Michael) Dudek of Marana, Bernadette (Travis) Smith of Marana, Heidi Rose (Maverick) Clark of Tucson, Cassandra Leith and her partner Justin Fisher of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Corey Leith of Austin, Texas.
She was also the beloved Grandy to 16 great grandchildren. Maleah and Joshua Gonzales, Charlotte, Ruby, Leo, George, Lucy and Molly Rose Sutphin, Nathaniel and John Thompson, Victor Farrell Jr., Aiden and Bailey Dudek, Bryson and Harper Rose Smith, and Sawyer Rose Clark, who was born on April 1st of this year.
In addition, Rose leaves behind her dear nieces and nephews, many of whom she was Godmother to: Judith Ann Stella, Sally Olivieri, Patricia Vanca, Suzanne Ianucci, Joanne Dolcemascolo, Diane Thomas, Lori Ann Olivieri, Michael Olivieri, Paul Olivieri and John Olivieri, all of whom live locally, Patricia Meurant of Tucson, and Godmother to William Buchanan of New Jersey.
Funeral Service will be in Beacon, New York.
In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcome to Casa de la Luz (Hospice), 7740 North Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85704, in acknowledgment of their compassionate care.
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