Rose Marie Horgan

Rose Marie (DuRivage) Horgan age 95, beloved wife of the late James J Horgan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday July 11th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Rose resided in Winter Park Florida for 40 years after migrating south from Shelton CT with her husband Jim.

Rose was born in Pittsfield MA on September 14th, 1928, to the late Alfred and Marie DuRivage. As a child, Rose, her Parents and 7 siblings moved to Stratford CT.

Rose was a beautiful woman as well as intelligent and wise. She graduated Stratford High School a year early and went out in the world to work. She was one of the original Rosie the riveters. Rose met her husband Jim after he returned from the WWII and together they created a very happy and joy filled life with 6 children.

Not only a homemaker, Rose also worked many jobs in her full life. She had been a riveter, a telephone operator, a bank auditor, and a Subway franchise owner, just to note the highlights. Rose had many friends and enjoyed parties and family gatherings. A great hostess, Rose always made you feel welcomed and fed. From Hungarian cookies, to bake stuffed shrimp, she made it all. Rose always looked fabulous from her dark hair to her stylish clothes. She loved to be fashionable.

Rose and Jim raised their big family while living in the city of Bridgeport CT in Success Park and then moved to their big house in the country in Shelton CT.

When her husband retired, the two moved to Winter Park Florida and became true Floridians. Loving their pool and their visits to the beach. The warm weather was perfect for them. Rose and Jim delivered Meals on Wheels and provided rides to the elderly for appointments and errands. Rose also served her community and the Lord as a bereavement counselor for many years with St Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Rose was a lifelong devout catholic. Her church and her bible studies groups were a large part of her amazing life. For the last 8 years her youngest son Fran and daughter-in-law Lori took daily care of Rose, cooking and tending to her needs.

Rose is survived by her 6 children- Maureen (Joseph) Costanzo, James (Patrice) Horgan, Kathleen Kendrick, Denise (Michael) Marullo, Patricia (Thomas) Dortenzio, and Francis (Lori) Horgan.

Rose also leaves behind her ever-growing family of 14 Grandchildren-Christine (Jerry) O’Sullivan, Joseph (Lindsey) Costanzo, Ryan (Lauren)Kendrick, Michael (Margaret) Kendrick, Bryan (Amanda) Horgan, Jessica (Vincent) Horgan, Andrew (Katelyn) Marullo, Christopher (Jess) Marullo, Melissa Dortenzio, Johnny (Melanie) Marull0, Evan (McKenna) Horgan, Matthew (Mary) Dortenzio, and Lauren (Kyle) DiMaio. Sadly, she was predeceased by her grandson Adam Horgan. This crew had also blessed Rose with 12 Great-Grandchildren and growing.

Although predeceased by her parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters, Rose is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved Rose very much.

The family will hold a funeral service to celebrate Rose’s life on September 16th at 10:30 am at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park FL. Interment will be private.

The Family thanks her wonderful caregivers Hope and Mercedes, for the loving care they had given to Rose.

We also need to thank and show appreciation to all of Rose’s many friends for all their time and care spent visiting Rose while at the nursing home.

Rest in peace Rose/Mom/Nana/Nina/Aunt/Friend