Obituary of Rose Mary Bower
Rose McGiveron Bower, "Our English Rose", was born in Liverpool, England and moved to the Staten Island, New York in 1959. She met and married the love of her life, Kenneth James Bower, in Staten Island, in 1962.
Filled with compassion and interest in others, Rose made friends easily and maintained contact with many. The tea kettle was always on and so was her compassion to give a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen to family or friends in need who walked through the door. A petite woman, Rose had a flare for fashion, matched by her beautiful smile and lovely British accent, she could light up a room with her presence. Rose found comfort and peace in her faith, and enjoyed tending to her garden and took great pride in keeping her home beautiful and bright. Despite the challenges she faced, she persevered, living life to its fullest and giving her best. Her role as mother and grandmother was the most important thing to Rose and her love and caring for her family remained her focus. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy.
Rose is predeceased by her loving husband, Kenneth James Bower, her mother and father, Esther and Henry McGiveron, brother, Andrew McGiveron, her brother-in-law Peter Rowson and her sister-in-law Patricia DeTeresa. She is survived by daughter, Anne Durante, husband Robert, grandchildren Colette and Luke, daughter, Jennifer Meyer, husband William, grandsons William and Andrew, daughter, Rachel Schaefer, husband Brian, granddaughters Willow, Brooke and Keira; her two sisters, Eileen Rowson and Jeanette Lawler; her two brothers William McGiveron and Michael McGiveron and her sister-in-law Edith Brophy. Rose is survived by her two dearest friends Colette LaBelle formerly of Liverpool, England and Helena Mulligan formerly of Ireland who were her "sisters" in America. Rose is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends in the United States, England and Australia.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 10th, 3:00 to 7:00 pm, at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, September 11th at 10am, St Catherine’s Church, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel, NJ. The family would like to thank Embracing Hospice for the wonderful, kind care they provided for our mother.
In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s memory to the Missionaries of Charity, 144 Ridge Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712. To share a favorite memory or messages of condolence, please visit Rose’s Tribute Page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
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