Rose Marie Keszkowski

Rose Marie (Shepenas) Keszkowski, age 89, of Catawissa, passed away peacefully at Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Danville on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

Born on January 13, 1932 in West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, she was the only child of the late Joseph and Rose Mary (Mrock) Shepenas. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Beaver Township. She counted her time on the family farm as among the happiest days of her life. One of her favorite memories was raising gladiolus on the farm and taking them to market in Shenandoah with her father.

Following graduation from Beaver Township Consolidated School, she entered the workforce, working at several garment manufacturing companies including the former Regal Shirt Factory in Catawissa, which later became Emenee.

Rose Marie married Joseph J. Keszkowski on May 24, 1952 and they were married for almost 60 years before his death on Dec. 13, 2012.

Always a farmer at heart, Rose Marie enjoyed tending a garden. She loved a good cup of coffee, talking on the phone with her friends, playing the lottery, cooking for her grandchildren (her French Fries were a favorite) and always making sure there were treats on hand for them.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph J. Keszkowski, Jr., on Nov. 17, 2017.

Surviving is her daughter Anita Steely of Catawissa and three grandchildren: Sarah Steely, Charlottesville, Va., Andrew Steely of New Orleans, Emma Steely a student at Penn State University and her best cat buddy, Sparky.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 a. m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg, by her pastor, Rev. Richard J. Mowery. Interment will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Animal Resource Center, P. O. Box 439, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.