Obituary: Rosemarie Cavaliere Hansen, 68, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Rosemarie Cavaliere Hansen 68, of Guilford beloved wife of 44 years to Wayne Hansen passed away peacefully with her loving husband by her side on June 5, 2023 in Yale New Haven Hospital after bravely battling ALS for over 4 years. Loving mother of Amber (Paul) Sheldon, Desirae (Kegan Riedel) Hansen and Dane Hansen. Grandmother of Rowen and Sierra Sheldon and Scarlett Riedel who she adored, and her two faithful companions Zeke and Zack. Sister of Thomas M. (Cynette) Cavaliere Jr and Michael (Wendy) Cavaliere. Rose was born in West Haven on April 20, 1955 daughter of the late Thomas M. and Alice Pregman Cavaliere Sr.

Rose and Wayne were childhood sweethearts. They very much enjoyed their weekly dinner dances at the Guilford Community Center, walks, and rock concerts right up until Rose became totally disabled. Rose was a conscientious dedicated Yale University employee for 42 years. She was forced to retire in February 2021 due to her illness. She was also an avid member of Local 34. She was a member of the activity committee at Yale Shared Services with her best friend Chery and was well known for her breath taking, masterful, imaginative creativity in her décor for Halloween. She would scare the life out of people with her life-like monsters and they would make the Yale news every year and win first place for the best decorations. The food was just as decorative as the workspace. Rose enjoyed dancing, rock concerts, walking, canning, working out, scrabble, quilting, knitting, crocheting, Crafts, cooking, baking, spa music, the family vacation home in Vermont, camping and vacationing with her best friends Chery and Dex.

During the later stages of her disease, Rose could be found having scooter races with her dear friend at Chatfield Hollow. Rose was very involved donating her time anywhere she could. She could often be found volunteering at the Senior Center in Guilford and the Recovery Support Groups. Rose was a country girl and didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. She once put a roof on her Vermont shed by herself and rescued the huge 4 car garage with her brother Tom. Rose loved her horses, and in earlier years, riding and showing them. She could frequently be found with her close friend Terry of 40+ years on the competitive trail rides on her best horse King. Rose was very proud of the massive vegetable gardens her and Wayne would tend to daily. Special thanks to the ALS Organization, nurses, health aides, medical personnel, family, friends, and everyone who helped both Rose and Wayne including those who donated to the Go Fund Me page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation 4 Oxford Rd. Unit E4 Milford, CT. 06460.