Rose Gilbert

Our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Rose Marcelle Gilbert, 94, went home to the Lord on Saturday, March 28.

Rose was born March 6, 1926 in Rumilly, Pas-de-Calais France to Laure Marcelle and Gaston Alexandre.  She was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph C. Gilbert Jr; son, William Michael Gilbert; two brothers, Robert and Robert; and aunt Julienne who raised her.

Rose’s Life was influenced by world events.  When she was born, the doctors told her parents she must be removed from the home due to her dad having contracted Tuberculosis in the German salt mines as a POW during WWI.  Her two brothers had already passed.  Rose was raised by her grandpa and aunt in the village of Rumilly.  When Rose was in high school, she moved to Saint Quentin to live with her mother and finish her education which was equivalent to an associate degree.

One son and one daughter along with several grandkids served in the US Military in Vietnam, Korea and Desert Storm.  Together Rose and Sonny raised six children.

After 35 years, in 1989, she retired from Pioneer Bank where she was Vice President in charge of investments.

She became an American citizen in 1970.  Even though she returned to France many times to visit family and childhood friends, she loved America and considered it her home.

Her early years were spent under German occupation.  She witnessed the American invasion and liberation of France.  In the fall she was supposed to enter the university to study Pharmacy.   Rose met her future husband and love of her life an American GI, Sonny, in the Cafe-tabac which her mom owned.  They were married August 6, 1945.  She arrived in New York in April 1946 on a ship of war brides.  Sonny met her in New York, and they took the train to what would be their home in Roswell.

In the family home, she lovingly cared for her husband, Sonny, Aunt Meme, and her mother-in-law, Kate in the home that was built by Sonny’s father.

Rose’s first concern every day of her life was her love of her family.  Everything she did was with them in mind.  She often called, visited and traveled with them.  Her home was full of family throughout her years.  She loved cooking their favorite foods.  She loved children and nature.

To this day her life was influenced by world events, currently the Coronavirus, which has limited the family and friends to provide the celebration of her life she so deserved.  Her entire life she always put the needs of others before her own.  Sonny and Rose had a strong belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in family values and the importance of education and strong work ethic.  As a result, their offspring have garnered many bachelor and masters degrees and a PhD.

Rose is survived by her children: Joan and John Markham; Joe and Ellen Gilbert III, John and Louann Gilbert, Kathy and Steve Scott, Maryjo and Hal Yocum.  Grandchildren Ian Markham, Marcie Weills, Jenny Gilbert, Lynzee Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert IV, Damion Gilbert, Adam Gilbert, Trevor Gilbert, Michael Moritz, Holly Abbott, Heather Yocum, Sonny Yocum and Shawn Scott.  She is survived by 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; cousins Sylvia and Kenny Oliver

Pallbearers: Ian Markham, Marcie Weills, Jenny Gilbert, Lynzee Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert IV, Shawn Scott, Dameon Gilbert, Adam Gilbert, Trevor Gilbert, Michael Moritz, Heather Yocum, Holly Abbott, Sonny Yocum