Rose (Distefano) Todisco

Rose (Distefano) Todisco, 97, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020 peacefully with her family by her side at the home of her daughter where she lived. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants Anthony J. and Michelina (DiPasquale) Distefano.  Rose was predeceased by her husband of 52 years Frank J. Todisco; three brothers Louis, Frank and Dr. Anthony Distefano; and a sister Mary DiBaro. She is survived by her children Frank Todisco and his wife Donna of Palm Coast, Fl; Tony Todisco and his wife Sue of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her daughter Rosanne (Todisco) Elworthy and her husband Alan of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Rose was a woman that lived for her family and was a true matriarch. She was the ultimate gram to 12 grandchildren and Gigi to 25 great-grandchildren. Her love for her family including many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends was undeniable. Her love was magical and could be felt through every smile, chat on the phone, or handwritten card.

Rose was born in 1922 and lived through many events in history. She always persevered, she was a member of the greatest generation. Rose always shared stories of her times growing up on Imperial road, spending times in New Jersey with her cousins, her times raising her children on Powers Ave in Shrewsbury amongst her and Frank’s family. She was a mom and grandmother first and foremost in her life. She loved spending time with her children and their children.

Her 52-year love story with her husband Frank Todisco was one that reminds people that true love does exist. She saw him through being a prisoner of war in WWII, raising three children, seeing two sons being sent to Korea and Vietnam, and traveling to Italy, Hawaii and embarking on many road trips, becoming grandparents, and through sickness and health. Their love never ended. Her family finds peace that she is with her love once again.

Rose taught every person she met how to be present. She made you feel like what you had to say was important and to her it always was. Rose never forgot a detail or a person in her life. When her family couldn’t remember that distant cousin’s name or missing ingredient, Rose was there to answer.  She shared her love through the food she cooked, and on many days of her life she could be found cooking, whether it be  at her restaurant, in her kitchen, directing someone in their own kitchen, or even for her dog scooter. Her eggplant, egg balls, meatballs, sauce, Italian cookies, and macaroni were the epitome of perfection.

She enjoyed many years of her life living in Palm Coast, Florida where she enjoyed playing cards, cooking 5 course Italian dinners with friends, enjoying shopping, dancing at the Italian American club, and entertaining friends and family at her home. Her card games could be compared to a Las Vegas high rollers table and she was the card shark. The games would be filled with laughter, food, pennies, nickels, and dimes, as well as good ol’ Italian bickering.

She most recently embraced her role as a Gigi. Her great grandchildren were the light of her life. She enjoyed watching her children become grandparents and spoiling them with hugs and chocolates.

The sky will shine a little brighter now that Rose has gone home to her castle in Heaven. When we make our sauce on Sunday Rosie will always be looking over us being sure we have just the right amount of garlic.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Eileen Sutton, Dr. Susan George, Dr. Mary Wendell, and Notre Dame Palliative Care/Hospice Services for their support and love that they shared for Rose.

A celebration of Rose’s life will be held on June 6, 2020 at St. Anne’s Parish in Shrewsbury.  In lieu of Flowers please make a donation to St. Anne’s Human Services at 130 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury Massachusetts 01545.   The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.   Visit: www.mercadantefuneral.com for additional information.