Obituary: Rosina “Rose” Latrecchia DeJager, 99, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Rosina “Rose” Latrecchia DeJager of Branford died Tuesday January 10, 2023, three weeks shy of her 100th birthday, at the Hospital of St. Raphael Campus at YNHH. She was the wife of the late John DeJager.

Rose was born in Fairmont, West Virginia on January 31, 1923, the youngest child of Italian immigrants from Salerno, Italy. Her late husband, John, passed at the age of 41 from heart disease. Wanting to contribute to raising awareness, she became a very active fundraiser for the American Heart Association. After spending the first half of her life in New Jersey, she moved to Branford and started a new life, one that incorporated active participation in several community endeavors.

She was a faithful woman. Rose was a parishioner at St. Mary Church, now St. John Bosco Parish. Along with Dr. Andy Porto, Rose co-founded and facilitated the St. Mary Church bereavement support group, now known as “New Day”, for more than twenty years. She joyfully sang in the St. Mary’s Church Choir and the Branford Choral for many years. Among her many interests, Rose was also an avid reader and gardener. Along with her deep dedication to her family, community, and church, Rose was also a master seamstress. She mended and repaired clothing donated to the BH Care Branford Clothing bank. During the Covid 19 pandemic, she sewed and generously distributed more than 200 masks.

In April of 2021, Rose moved to her final residence, The Hearth at Gardenside, in Branford. She quickly developed beautiful new friendships at 98 years old. Rose was asked to be an ambassador to welcome new residents and served on the resident council. She also joined the community choir at the Hearth. When recently asked about what she was grateful for, Rose said “my family and I’m never lonely here.” When asked about her longevity, she would say “being active, doing for others, and a glass of red wine every night.”

Rose is survived by her children, Carmelene (Armand) Joncas, Sadiann (Jody) Ozment, and Joann (Rod) McIntosh, all of Branford and Otto J. (Michelle) DeJager of New Jersey, 12 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. She is also survived by her brother in law, Peter (Gwyneth) DeJager, her brother in law, James Cox, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Carmine Latrecchia, and sisters Angelina Morrizo and Anna Haight.

Her services concluded Monday.

In the spirit of Rose’s volunteerism and caring for others, donations in her memory can be made to: Volunteer Services Center, 30 Harrison Avenue, Branford, CT 06405.