Rose F. McEvoy's Obituary
Rose Frances Widzinski (Mrs. Gerald W.) McEvoy, age 97, a lifelong Oshkosh resident, died May 5, 2021 in Kingwood, TX, while being cared for by her daughter Joni McEvoy and Gayle Noll.
Born in Oshkosh April 14, 1924, to Jacob and Valeria Widzinski, she grew up there, graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1941. In June of 1943 she married Gerald Wallace McEvoy in St. Josaphat Catholic Church, Oshkosh. Shortly thereafter, Gerald was deployed by the U.S. Army to serve in Europe during World War II, while Rose awaited in Oshkosh, his return after 2 years. Jerry preceded her in death on September 5, 2005. Along with nurturing her family, Rose worked at Victrylite Candle Co. before beginning at AT&T, where she was a telephone operator before ending her career as secretary to the manager. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Club. A lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she enjoyed many years of service, worship, and friendship. Because time with others was important to her, Rose treasured her bus trips with friends playing bingo and slot machines. Rose not only cherished her family time, but also fun with the Telephone Girls, who shared luncheons and birthday celebrations. Rose led a happy and giving life, sharing her joy with her family and friends, whom she easily gathered under her loving wing.
Rose is survived by and her memory will be cherished by her four children: Sandra (Bill) Fierke of Eagle Point, Or.; Susie (Don) Taylor of Huntsville, Utah; Pat McEvoy of Oshkosh; and Joni (Gayle Noll) McEvoy of Kingwood, TX. Other surviving family are 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew Sally and Tom Widzinski of Oshkosh, and special Oshkosh neighbor, Tom Goddard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Rose on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm in St. Jude Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oshkosh, (corner of Knapp and 6th Street), the Rev. Matt Simonar as celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held at the church from 1:30 pm until the time of Mass.
Rose requested that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.; St. Jude Catholic Church, Oshkosh, or the charity of choice.
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