Rose Marie Kovacic, nee Valvoda, born September 6, 1926 in Claridon, Ohio to Joseph and Mary (nee Ziegler) Valvoda, died December 30, 2020 in UH Geauga Medical Center, Chardon Ohio. At only 94, Rose Marie’s sharp memory, quick wit and love of life were no match for her brief battle with COVID-19. She spoke with family and friends on the phone, said her goodbyes, and told them not to come into the hospital to visit because she did not want them to contract the Coronavirus. Shortly before she slipped into restful sleep, she was talking about her 11 brothers and sisters, her 5 grandchildren, and her great grandchild.
Rose was a homemaker with a ready smile and easy laugh, an avid reader, gardener, baker, and helpful neighbor. She often shared her culinary endeavors with her nieces and nephews in the area and passed along many recipes which will continue to be enjoyed by family and friends. She worked the election polls in Hartsgrove for many years. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she was also the best mother-in-law.
Often called Rosie by her friends, she was a devoted member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Chardon. She was a fan of Cleveland sports teams, and in particular loved to watch every Cleveland Indians game, and was not shy in telling the TV just what she thought. In recent years, she enjoyed completing jig saw and crossword puzzles, and participating in trivia and games during her stay at Blossom Hill Care Center. She was often the winner at bingo. She was a gregarious woman who enjoyed banter with staff and residents as much as possible.
Survivors include sons, Anthony E. (Kathi) and Thomas (Jacky); grandchildren, Amanda (Shawn) Bonnett, Abigail Kovacic, Sarah Kovacic, Bethany Kovacic and Benjamin Kovacic; and great-grandchild, Elizabeth Bonnett.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Anthony C Kovacic; Sisters: Josephine Graham, Mildred Kirbish, Florence Clemson, Mary Holzman; Brothers: Frank, Joseph, John, Emil, Clarence, James.
Rose Marie will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched but will live on in their hearts and memories. Her strength of character lasted to the very end.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the Church of St. Mary located at 401 North Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Interment to follow at Chardon Municipal Cemetery.
The Funeral Mass will be live streamed from www.youtube.com/StMarysParishChardon. You can reach also by the icon on the WATCH icon on the obituary.
The family suggest donations be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110 or donate@hospicewr.org.
Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.