Marjorie C. Rosiello

Marjorie Cole Rosiello of Shrewsbury, age 90, passed away peacefully at home in the care of hospice and her loving family. She leaves her husband of 67 years, Emilio A Rosiello, and two sons, The Rev. Tom Rosiello, Minister Emeritus of The First Parish of Stow and Acton and his partner Malcolm Halliday, and Dr. Paul Rosiello, veterinarian at the Associates Animal Hospital in Westboro and his wife Mary–Joy Rosiello, her much-loved granddaughters Morgan Rosiello, age 13, and Nicole Rosiello, age 11, as well as many nieces and nephews.

  "Margie” as every one called her, was born and grew up in Berlin, MA, the daughter of Raymond and Marion Cole. She graduated from Hudson High School and went on to the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she became an RN in 1949.  She spent all her professional career working at Memorial Hospital, first in the Maternity Ward, where she became head nurse, and later for many years in the Outpatient Clinic, where she specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. After retiring from the hospital, she worked as a volunteer nurse for the free medical clinic at St Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury until she was 87 years old. 

It would be an understatement to say that she was an active person. She was a doer, never interested in sitting still.  Athletic by nature, she enjoyed ice-skating, working out in the gym, horseback riding and especially running. She began competitive running in her mid 50’s and continued to compete until age 83. She had a room full of running trophies and medals and was responsible for many running organizations having to add first, a women over 70, then, a women over 80 category to their races. She was often seen running long distance in Shrewsbury and Worcester in her pink jogging suit, accompanied by her Yellow Lab “Peggy Sue.”

Always a positive and upbeat person, most of her life was dedicated to helping others, from being the “neighborhood nurse” to caring for her granddaughters.  A true animal lover, she was always rescuing stray dogs and cats, and nursing injured animals of every variety back to health.  

Those animals were often inspirational subjects for her artwork. She was an accomplished painter and especially enjoyed doing animal portraits.  After a busy day of work, exercise, caring for her family and helping others, she would work late into the night on arts and craft projects. In addition to painting, she loved making jewelry, especially from found objects. “Designs by Margie” were sold at many area craft fairs. 

For nearly 60 years she was a member of the First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road in Shrewsbury and her funeral service will be held there at 11 AM on Saturday, September 15 with interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Friday, September 14 from 4 to 7 PM at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that contributions be made to organizations, which will continue her life’s work, particularly St Anne’s Free Medical Program, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, or any animal rescue organization. To share your thoughts and memories of Marjorie, please visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com