Rose Martello Monaco

On Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, Rose Martello Monaco was reunited with the love of her life after seven years; she was surround by her loving family.

Rose's life began Nov. 10, 1921, in Missoula. She was born to Benedetto Martello and Carmenilla Cutone Martello, the second child of a large Italian family of 11. She attended Frenchtown grade school and Sacred Heart Academy.

In 1936 she met the love of her life, Mike Monaco. At the time they met, Rose was only 14, so being the gentleman that he was, Mike waited until she turned 16 before asking her father for her hand in marriage. On Oct. 1, 1938, they united in marriage and in 2008 celebrated 70 wonderful years together.

Rose was a hard working stay at home mom, grandmother and great-grandmother (GiGi). All her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were fortunate to be the lights of her life and to have been raised in a warm and loving home. She loved them with all her heart and was very proud to be able to take care of them until the end.

Not only did her kind and loving touch make a difference in her family's life, but the lives of everyone she met. Rose was known for preparing large Italian meals which lured the neighborhood kids in for dinner. Rose was known for her homemade bread, maple bars, pasta and the famous Italian Christmas cookies that she and Mike would make by hand by the dozens every year.

She was a huge part and dedicated member of Saint Anthony Parish for 55 years. Rose was a member of the Alter Society and St. Ann's Society. Over the years she was always willing to assist in any function, from baking goodies for bake sales, organizing funeral luncheons and leading the prayer chain; she always kept others in her prayers.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Mike; son Michael Jr. and daughter-in-law Janice; brother Domenic Martello; sisters Anna Martello, Fonsie Hohman and Dorothy Carraher.

She is survived by sons, Carmen (Gay Bera) of Tennessee and Tony (Gina) of Arizona; daughters, Angie and Jean both of Missoula; grandchildren, Brenda (Chip) Ayers, Colette (Tim) Smith and Janine Monaco (Ray Caswell) all of Oregon, Brandy (Dalon) Harden and Tony II (Glenda) of Arizona, Tawnya and Michael of Missoula; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Camilla, Mary Ann and Philomena all of Missoula; brothers, Eddie (Valrie) of Missouri, Guido of California and Tony of Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, in St. Anthony Parish with a reception to follow in the Parish Life Center. Graveside services will follow the reception at the New St. Mary's Cemetery Annex.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Anthony Parish, Partners Hospice, or the charity of your choice in Rose's name.

You will be forever in our hearts, thank you for all the memories you have given us. We will love you forever.
Read Rose Monaco's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.