Rose Zalewski

Rose Coffey Zalewski, age 103, Sugar Land, Texas, formerly of Salamanca, New York died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday August 11, 2009 at Barton House, in Sugar Land, Texas.

Born on June 12, 1906 in Salamanca, New York she was the daughter of the late Frank and Tekla Wariasz Coffey. She was married in 1929 to Mr. Stanley Zalewski who predeceased her on January 24, 1958.

Mrs. Zalewski was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish (Holy Cross Worship Site). She was hardworking, spirited, strong and persistent to the end. She worked tirelessly, and amazed us with her vigor and stamina, well past the age when most people would have slowed down. Rose was an avid gardener and passionate about sharing her homemade baked dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. In June of 2006, many family members from across the country gathered to help Rose (known by her grandchildren as “Busia”) celebrate her 100th birthday which she thoroughly enjoyed. In the summer of 2007, Rose moved to the Barton House in Sugar Land. Her daughter, Pat, continued to visit her daily, as did granddaughter, Julie Ewbank. The wonderful staff at Barton House gave her loving care and helped her stay strong to the end.

Surviving are: a daughter, Patricia (Leo) Slone, Sugar Land, Texas; a son, Robert (Marilyn) Zalewski, North Port, Fla.; 8 grandchildren, Ann (Chad) Slone Tidwell, Durango, Colorado, Julie (Stephen) Slone Ewbank, Sugar Land, Texas, Susan (Matt) Slone Henderson, Bay City, Texas, Beth (Drury) Slone Wilson, Austin, Texas, Brenda (Frank) Yard Fry, Umatilla, Florida, Shelley (Ron) Yard Thomas Frankston, Texas, Karen (Jake) Zalewski Gallo, Holmes Beach, Fl, John (Melanie) Zalewski, Olean, New York; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson, several nieces and nephews

She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Sue Zalewski on February 18, 1930, an infant son, Stanley Zalewski Jr. on February 17, 1931, 7 sisters, Mary Gutowski, Josephine Eddy, Wanda Kiesel, Helen Caruso, Eleanor Balus, Katie Roman, Sophie Martin, 2 brothers, Louis Coffey and John Coffey.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Thursday (August 20, 2009) from 2-4 & 7-9 P.M

A Prayer Service will be held in the funeral home on Friday morning at 10:30 A.M. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. in Our Lady of Peace Parish (St. Patrick’s Worship Site) with Rev. F. Patrick Melfi, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salamanca Public Library

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.