How fitting that Rose Marie Doney, of Emmaus, PA, also known as Rose, Rosie, Mom, Nana, and Gram, 82, died on September 21, the International Day of Peace, surrounded by her children. Born six days before Pearl Harbor Day and having suffered a paralyzing stroke in June, Rosie is finally experiencing the fullness of Christ's peace for which she longed in life.

Rose Marie was born on December 1, 1941 to the late Mary (Komenitsky) and John Oishko in Allentown, PA. A graduate of Central Catholic High School also in Allentown, Rose married the love of her life, Richard Paul Doney, on September 3, 1960, and together they enjoyed 38 years of marriage until his death in 1998. They created a tight-knit family, which became the center of her life. Jeffrey (Susan), Denise (Thomas) Luckey, and John. Rosie's care for her family and friends nourished all who entered her home.

Rosie loved to travel, try new things, and play any number of games, especially jigsaw puzzles and word searches. She and Dick traveled across the country and to Puerto Rico together, and after his death Gram accompanied the family on summer trips to amusement parks, Disney World, and the beach. She also enjoyed time at the cabin in Potter County. Nana delighted in these gatherings and was sad each September when the grandchildren returned to school. Not sad for long though, Gram quickly transitioned into a cheering sports fan for her grandkids, attending as many games as possible.

Rose not only adored her family, but was a beloved friend and welcoming neighbor. Her circle of relationships was wide, and all those lucky enough to be inside it will remember chatting the evening away with her or a good round of cards. Strangers, too, quickly became known to Rosie; she always waved at passersby from her porch rocker. Outside of the home, Rose extended herself to others as a volunteer for No One Dies Alone, embracing the value of human connection during hard times.

But perhaps Rosie's greatest sustenance was her faith in a loving God. While she grappled with Divine mystery, doubts, and questions, rosary beads and prayer books were never far from her side, keeping her grounded in her Catholic faith. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Emmaus.

In addition to her three children and their spouses, Nana is survived by five grandchildren: Kimberly (Thomas) Olsen; Richard (Kelsey) Doney; Valerie Luckey, OSB; Nicholas (fiancée Amanda) Doney; and Danielle Doney who will all miss Gram's cream chipped beef with a side of buttery hash browns. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Tucker, Haley, Edward, and Simon. She leaves behind a large extended family and dear friends who hold their cherished memories of Rosie close at heart.

All are welcome to attend services for Rose Marie, which will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. A viewing will be held at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 415 S. 6th St., Emmaus from 9:00-11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM and interment at Calvary Cemetery.  Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Ann's Catholic Church or a charity of your choice, supporting others just as Rose did throughout her entire life. See you around like a donut, Rosie.