Helen R. Rose age 91 was called home to the Lord on April 26, 2020. She was the oldest of 3 children, born to a Polish Roman Catholic family. During World War II, she went to vocational school and graduated as an accomplished seamstress.

Helen met the love of her life, Lenial "Travis" Rose in Virginia Beach, VA. They were married June 17th, 1950. She was a dedicated Navy wife and they moved frequently. They had 4 children, 2 girls and then 2 boys. She loved keeping busy by sewing special dresses for many family occasions, cooking, baking, and crocheting, and she loved to have her family near her. Road trips to visit Travis's family in Alabama and Florida's Gulf Coast beaches, with 4 kids and the family dog, Snoopy, were always an adventure.

She was a dedicated member of the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua, where she made many friends and belonged to the Legion of Mary. She devoutly prayed the rosary daily for those she loved and had a special affection for her Polish Pope, St. John Paul II. Faith, family and her Polish heritage were the 3 most important things in her life. She loved to teach her children and grandchildren various Polish expressions.

She was an enthusiastic Philly sports fan and was overjoyed to see the Flyers win the Stanley Cup in 1974, the Phillies win the World Series in 1980 and 2008, and the Eagles defeat the Patriots in Super Bowl 52.

Helen spent her 91 years on Earth by living each day preparing for eternity in Heaven. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her children and grandchildren.

Beloved wife of 57 years to Lenial "Travis," she was also the devoted mother of Linda A. Slater(Terry) of Williamstown, NJ; Edward T. Rose(Jacqueline) of Wenonah, NJ; and Thomas W. Rose(Rhonda) of Jacksonville, FL; and was the loving grandmother of Daniel Slater(Jennifer), David Slater(Olivia), Andrew Leger(Kayli), Christopher and Katelyn Rose, and great granddaughters Jenna Lynn, Danni Lynn, Mia, and Kaya Slater. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband Lenial, her daughter Rosemary Rose, her grandson Thomas Slater, sister Florence Coveney, brother Joseph Figurski, and parents Maximillion and Veronica Figurski(Taraska).

Helen was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA, in a private ceremony on May 1, 2020. To honor her memory, donations can be to Gloucester County Serv-A-Tray program, to the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua, NJ, or to American Heart Association. Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com

Memories from Tom
Mom,
There are not enough words to describe what you meant to me and my family. You were our national treasure and I cannot thank you enough for everything you did. From helping me with school, visiting me in Panama City or the carriers while I was in the Navy, and sending me letters almost every single day I was deployed, you were a constant blessing and your actions meant the world to me. You were an amazing mom, but also the greatest friend. I truly enjoyed my daily phone calls with you, even when I had to keep calling because you left the phone off the hook. I will always cherish the quality time I spent with you during the weeklong trips up to Philly, you and me. You made sure I was well fed and well loved. Thanks for the kielbasa, fried chicken, and pierogis...I did not need them, but I enjoyed them. It is not easy not being able to talk to you everyday, but I know after all the praying you did you are in Heaven giving everyone a run for their money.
Love, The Baby of the Family
P.S. Thanks for saving me pizza

Memories from Ed
Mom, I regret never writing you a love letter so here it goes. You are my special angel. Back when I was a little boy, maybe 3 years old you used to play that Bobby Vinton song. You would put my little feet on yours to teach me to dance by the kitchen sink. I never really enjoyed dancing, but I never forgot the memory. That is why, I played it for you on one of our last nights together. I hope it brought you comfort knowing I was there and still remembered.
As a mom, you were fantastic. You were always there to wipe away tears, put on the band aids and share in our joys and celebrations. I am so glad we saw the Phillies win the 2008 World Series and the Eagles beat the Patriots to win Super Bowl 52.
Your faith and hope in the resurrection will always give me peace. I am glad that Jesus did answer your final prayer and help you find the eternal salvation you rightly deserved. Know that we love you and Jackie, and I will not forget the one Polish phrase you taught us, “I love you.” In closing, as the lyrics of the song go, “I’ll have my special angel, here to watch over me.” Love from your son who solved the missing rosary beads.

Memories from Linda
Mom,
I was always thankful that God gave me you for my mother. The two most important things in your life were your family and your faith in God and you showed that every day.
A mother-daughter share a special bond that grows even stronger through time. You look to your mother for guidance, someone your children will be proud of. I hope I can be that person as you were to me. You were always there to share in our lives, whether it was a big or small. You would always listen and try to help.

Quite often you would try to teach me different skills like cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting and dancing. I learned three out of five. Your never wanted material things, although I enjoyed buying them. We had a lot of fun of those shopping trips. You were my best friend. You loved me no matter what and made me feel special because to you I was.

I miss you so much already. I miss our phone calls especially the long ones in the evening. That was our special time unless Mom had not talked to Tom yet! You are now reunited with all our family that have gone before. So, rest in peace. Your job on earth is done. Our family will miss you everyday and do the best we can until we are all reunited again. I will love you forever. You are the best Mom ever!!