Rose Leona Burgess (née Konblett), born on February 17, 1927, in Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in Lakewood, CA at the age of 99. A longtime resident of California, Rose graduated from Hamilton High School in Los Angeles and dedicated over 30 years to the federal civil service, notably with the U.S. Navy Seabees across various locations including Port Hueneme, Pt. Mugu, San Diego, CA, and Pearl Harbor, HI. After her extensive government service, she worked for Abex Corp before finding her passion in entrepreneurship with Rosie’s Face Painting and Body Art. Rose became a cherished part of the community, brightening children’s lives at local markets and events.
Rose was known for her vibrant personality and red hair, which matched her spirited and caring nature. Always putting others first, she was a self-proclaimed "jokester" who loved to make people laugh. Her hobbies included drawing with chalk, playing the piano, and excelling in shooting pool and bowling, activities that she passionately shared with those around her. Rose also cherished traveling, with Hawaii being her favorite destination where she enjoyed the sun and the island’s beauty.
Rose is survived by her loving grandchildren Kami Gremillion, Ryan Whelan, Marina Whelan, and Janice Bloom; nieces Sheila Schlichter Lieberman, Diane Gudgeon; nephew Joseph Mustalo; great-grandchildren Blaise Gremillion, Hailey Gremillion, Turner Lang, Pierce Lang, Genevieve Lang, Kyle Bloom and Ciara Bloom; and grand-niece Charlene Schlichter and grand-nephew David Schlichter. She was preceded in death by her daughter Peggy Whelan, brother Charles Konblett, sister-in-law Lorraine Konblett, sister Evelyn Mustalo, and her parents Philip Konblett and Betty Sitavich.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 22th at 11:00am in the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, located at 757 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001, followed by a prayer service at Carpinteria Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria, CA. Rose's life and legacy will be celebrated by family, friends, and all those she touched with her warmth and generosity.
"Remember me and my light will shine on through you. When my time has come... don't bid me farewell, just whisper I love you, then look deep into the eyes of a loved one, for it is there that my soul will find a new home. Remember me, and my soul will live on in you, and in the generations yet to be."
Adapted from "Remember Me" by Rabbi Menachem Creditor