'Rosie The Riveter', Lifelong Mahwah Resident, Died June 16

Rose Leahy (née Skarzynski) 91, a lifetime resident of Mahwah, died June 16.

Devoted to town and country, Rose worked as “Rosie the Riveter” at Curtiss-Wright during World War II and later as Planning Board Secretary for the Township of Mahwah.

Leahy began each day with a “rise and shine” maxim. She canned her own james, pickles, tomato juice, and wine, which she considered an artform, her family said.

Rose was a wonderful chef and baker of Polish favorites gołąbki, pierogi, and babka and other international cuisine. Gifted in handcrafts, Rose knitted, crocheted and sewed thousands of baby blankets and hats and scarves for veterans.

Rose enjoyed family excursions to the mountains and lakes and down the shore to collect shells and sea glass and swim. She cherished vacations with her husband across the United States and to Ireland and Canada to attend Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II.

She was a lifetime parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and member of the Rosary Society and Salesian Cooperators. She was a charter member of Ladies Auxiliary Ramsey Knights of Columbus Council 3962 and advocate of the March for Life and other charitable causes. She was treasurer of Ladies Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5084.

She was married to the late George J. Leahy for 62 years. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph and Stanley Skarzynski and son Anthony.

She is survived by her children: George, Geoffrey, Eric, Rosey, Terrence, and Ginger; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; and several nieces, nephews, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Mahwah. She is interned at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.