Rosalea "Rosie" Eichenlaub
January 1, 2021
CHARLOTTE – Rosalea “Rosie” Eichenlaub (née McGarry), 68, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 1, 2021.
Rosalea was born on April 17, 1952 to William (Scotty) and Mary (Mamie) McGarry in Ambridge, Pa., and spent most of her life living in Sewickley, Pa. She then moved to Charlotte, N.C., to be closer to her family.
Rosalea graduated from Quigley Catholic High School in 1970 and then went on to have an extensive career as a flight attendant for USAirways before going on to work for Hertz at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Finally, she retired in 2015 so she could play her most treasured role ever - as “Bonna” (Grandma) to her sweet granddaughter Evie.
Anyone who knew Rosalea knows that she had an enormous heart, never met a stranger, and loved her family fiercely. She saw in all of us the talent and beauty that we never saw in ourselves. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, always making sure her family never wanted for anything even if that meant she went without. She was the neighbor you always hoped to have, the friend who wanted nothing more than to see you happy, and the person who always met you with a smile to brighten your day.
Rosalea is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, Nicholas Signet (Liz) of Charlotte, N.C.; sister, Elizabeth Jurkowski (Ray) of Madison, Ohio; and granddaughter, Evie.
Rosie, we know that you are looking down on all of us with your radiant Rosie smile and making sure that we are loved and cared for. It brings us comfort to know that you are back with your beloved Mamie and Scotty. We love you and miss you more than you know.
Due to Covid restrictions, the family will have a small gathering to celebrate her life at a later date yet to be determined.
To honor Rosalea’s lifelong love of children, contributions in her memory can be sent to the scholarship fund at her granddaughter’s daycare, which will allow low-income families access to early education, as well as assist families in the center who are facing significant financial hardship. Donations may be mailed to:
First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte
ATTN: J.Gaddis
200 W. Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Please make checks payable to "FPC CDC Scholarship Fund" with "In Memory of Rosalea Eichenlaub" in the memo line.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Dear Nicholas, Betty and all the Family,
Reading all of these wonderful memories of Rosalea, I feel how she brings us all together. Thank you. The sharing brings joy that comforts the sadness. We have all been gifted by Rosalea's love and laughter. Rosalea's light is everlasting. We grew up together. In later years the miles separated us, yet our hearts were not as far as the miles. I put a photo of her on my fridge and I smile each time I see her. My heart misses her. Comfort prayers surround you, Dolores Brush Moffatt -
Rosie was my neighbor in Sewickley. She was great . I loved her comments and she always told it like it was . I missed her after she moved . I was so happy Nick you took her with you . You are a great son . Rosie was so fortunate to have you .
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Sweet Rosie you will be missed so much . I will miss our talks about our grandkids . It breaks my heart your little Evie will grow up without you. You were the best Bonna. Heaven has gained another angel . I love you my friend❤️
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Dear Family, knowing your Mom & Grandma was one of the good and fine parts of my life. When I saw this picture this morning it made me wonder why she ever befriended me. I was always a troubled and unhappy child and teen but what I remember now, about spending time with her at school and at her home is, that I was always loved and accepted with all my flaws. And that I was served Milk with an Ice cube in it!! Thank you Rosalea for you friendship. You are missed. Love bunny
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Dear Nicholas and Betty,
It is with much sorrow that I send this condolence to you both and your families. Rosalea was truly a bright face of smiles and heart of gold. We shared so much fun in our highschool years and beyond. We just reconnected recently on Facebook, to my delight, and it was good to see how much we still had in common. I hope the happy memories of her love for you, fill your hearts with so much joy that it takes away the pain of her loss. You will be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Art Taylor -
Rosalea was a great friend with whom we shared so many good times and some tough times. She was the kindest, dearest friend anyone could hope to have. Although we sort of lost touch, she was always in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to her dear family and prayers for their healing. May her memory be Eternal! May she forever rest in peace.
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Who would think that you’d instantly love your co-worker’s mother-in-law? Well, nobody. But we all did. I knew Rosie as Liz’s MIL who was fun-loving, high-energy and had the biggest heart. Rosie would come assist our marketing team at charity events where we needed extra hands. As soon as Rosie would show up, the stress would subside and we’d just start having fun. She brought a huge smile, positive attitude and an AMAZING velour sweatsuit (which I’ll never forget)!! Nick, Liz and Evie - I’m so sorry for your loss. She was so special and definitely spread her love further than you’d think. Love you all.
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I became friends with Rosalea i our junior year at Quigley High. Rosalea was a person who found the good in everyone. She was fun to spend time with if in class, lunch, of school functions. God bless Rosalea.
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Rosalea was always the happy friendly person who looked for the good in everyone. She was enjoyable to be around and it was fun to be with her. She was a good person, and a better friend.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up with Rosalea so many good memories. RIP dear friend.
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