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Rose N. Puglisi, 97, of Old Saybrook, formerly of Middletown, passed away on March 15 at her home. She was born in Middletown, daughter of the late Stephen and Rosaria (Romano) Puglisi. Rose attended Saint John School and graduated from Middletown High School. Along with her seven siblings, Rose attended Saint Sebastian’s Church, where she was an active member of the choir and the Children of Mary. After high school, Rose began a career. She was a member of the Venture Club for women in business and worked as an administrative secretary for Pratt & Whitney for 30 years, retiring in 1987.

Rose enjoyed travels with her family and close friends including Annie and Josie. Their adventures brought them throughout Europe, South America, and the United States. She also had a creative side, taking painting lessons in her younger years and jewelry making at age 90. Rose was always there for her family, never missing a birthday, anniversary, or graduation. She spent special care selecting cards and gifts to mark every occasion. Family will never forget her traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinners and opening her grab bag gifts she spent all year organizing for each person in attendance.

Rose was also a caregiver to many family members throughout the years, a position she took on without hesitation and with skill and loving care. Her faith, positivity, and strength throughout her life, and especially significant in the past few years, were admired by all that knew her.

Rose is survived by her sister Marie Peppe of Florida as well as several nieces and nephews including Phyllis Sedlock and her husband Alan of Old Saybrook, John DiStefano of Killingworth, Paul DiStefano and his wife Lynn of South Carolina, Richard Peppe and his wife Margaret of Florida, Stephen Peppe of Virginia, Paul Lazarr of Virginia, Norma Jacobs of Middletown, and Maryanne Mantz and her husband Michael of California. Her great-nieces and nephews include Meghan Brady and her husband Howard of Old Saybrook and their children Garrett and Katelin and Rebecca DeAngelo and her husband Albert and their children Jacob and Luca, Brian and Derek DiStefano, Chris and Daryl DiStefano, Thomas Peppe, Brent and Shane Jacobs, and Tianna and Robert Mantz. She was predeceased by her sisters Ester, Josephine, and Mary “Carmen” as well as brothers Frank, Salvatore, and Sebastian Puglisi.

The family would like to thank Margaret for her great care, companionship, and strong faith, which was instrumental in Rose’s many recoveries and ability to remain at home with her family around her. Additional gratitude goes out to the incredible nurses and staff at VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice.

Funeral services were held on March 21 in St. John Church, Old Saybrook. Burial was in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Rockfall. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Pio Parish, 161 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 or online at saintpioct.org. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.