Rose T. (Gagliardi) Vecchia

Mrs. Rose T. Vecchia, 94, of Lee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Berkshire Medical Center while surrounded by her family. Rose was born in Calabria, Italy on May 29, 1928, the daughter of Giuseppe and Seraphina Scerbo Gagliardi. Rose and her family immigrated to the United States when she was a young girl and settled in Lenox where she was raised and educated, graduating from Lenox High School. A devoted homemaker and mother, Rose found much enjoyment as a paraprofessional in the Pittsfield Public Schools for 20 years after her children had grown. 

The ultimate matriarch, Rose loved best the time spent with her family. She was a devoted wife, mom, gramma, great gramma, aunt and a dear friend to many. Anyone who knew Rose knew they could not stop by for a quick visit and you were likely going to have to stay for dinner. Always the entertainer! 

Rose didn’t just live to 94 she LIVED her life fully! She was never idle and many things brought her great joy: flower gardening, holidays, dancing, cooking, reading, puzzle books (she insisted they kept her mind sharp), playing cards/games and WINNING - no matter the opponent (sorry kids, gram played to win) and wintering in Florida with her many local friends as well as numerous new ones. Rose was a strong believer in exercise and could be seen walking all over town which would take a while due to her stopping and chatting along the way. Not one to shy away from learning new things or new adventures, Rose was always game. She and Tom traveled extensively in their retirement with their trips back to Italy being some of her favorites. 

Rose was a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s Church. She found great peace in her weekly time spent in the adoration chapel at the church and her daily devotion to our blessed mother. 

Besides her husband, Michael Thomas Vecchia, whom she married September 10, 1949, she leaves behind her son, Michael Vecchia(Michele); and her three daughters: Sue Mitchell(Jack), Nancy Sconzo(Tony), and RoAnn Wendling(Dave). In addition, Rose leaves behind her grandchildren: Danielle Torres, Meaghan Massenat, Christopher-Michael Vecchia, J.T. Mitchell, Sara Mitchell, A.J. Sconzo, Michael Sconzo, and Lee Wendling; her great-grandchildren: Isabella, Peter, and Jacob Torres; Orel, London, and Declan Massenat, and Wylder and Neko Vecchia. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Rose’s family is very grateful to the multitude of caregivers and doctors who provided wonderful care and comfort to mom over the years and months up to her gentle passing. 

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 17th, 11AM at St. Mary’s Church in Lee. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A Visiting Hour will be held from 9:00 until 10:30 AM at the Kelly Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a donation in Rose’s memory, checks made out to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital may be mailed to the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St. Lee, MA 01238.