Rose M.Popalis, of Shenandoah Heights, passed away Sunday, September 25, with her children at her side.

Born in Shenandoah, February 17, 1925 she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Angelina (Mirocke) Bell.

Rose was the wife of Andrew T. Popalis with whom she celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary September 7, 2016.

Rose loved her home where she Andrew lived for 69 years.

Lovingly known as Granny, Aunt Rose or, of course, Mom, even to many who weren't her children, she was love beyond measure. The door to her home and especially the door to her heart were always open.

She was a giving, loving and unselfish mother not only to her own children, but she and Andrew also changed the lives of over 40 foster children, adopting five.

The kitchen table was the center of many delicious meals, and also the hub where Rose would tell her many stories of her childhood and life experiences. Making you laugh was one of her specialties.

She would light up a room with her beauty and sparkling brown eyes, but it was really her humor and quick wit, compassion, unselfishness, understanding and her love of life and unshakable faith that then and now brings comfort to the hearts of those who knew her.

A member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, she was a graduate of West Mahanoy Township High School. She was employed by Acme Markets, Philadelphia, and the Acme, A&P, Genetti and Capitol food markets in Shenandoah. She also worked seasonally for the Bon-Ton in the Schuylkill Mall.

The leader of the Rosie Belles during the Shenandoah Centennial Celebration of 1966, she was also a member of the auxiliary of the former Locust Mountain Hospital.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four daughters, Rosanne, wife of Walter Hall, Shenandoah Heights; Annette, wife of Terry Deitz, Johnstown; Mary Elizabeth Stefanowicz, Kulpmont; Theresa, Shenandoah Heights; five sons, Andrew M., husband of Patricia; Joseph, husband of Joanie, Bethesda, MD; John Zucotti, husband of Jewel, Dillsburg; Michael, Doylestown; and Eric, Doylestown; a sister Betty Yanchulis, College Park, MD.

She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Angelo "Chicky", and infant brother Joseph, sisters Marion Flanigan, Theresa Brosius and Frances Yanchulis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Devine Mercy Catholic Church, 108 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah, at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 30.

Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m.
Interment will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel cemetery.