Rose M. Garland, 81, died peacefully in the early morning of May 22, 2010 at Salem Haven Nursing Home surrounded by immediate family.
Born in Methuen on April 11,1929, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Florence Lombardi and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1947.
In her early years, she held various jobs at the Wood Mill, Stillman Shoe, Salfia Chiropractic and co-owned and operated Lawrence Auto School with her late husband Joseph Garland. Spoken most fondly of however, were her positions at Nursing Homes such as Christian Hill, Stevens Hall and Nevins as either Activity Assistant or Activity Director. She was kind-hearted, generous and had an immense amount of love for everyone around her. She was happiest doing things for others.
Of strong faith, she belonged to Corpus Christi and later was a member of Divine Mercy and an Auxiliary member of Legion of Mary. She treasured time with family, loved to play cards, knit, crochet and never missed watching a Figure Skating Competition or Red Sox game.
She is survived by her son Richard Garland and partner Tiffani Atkinson of Newburyport, daughter Debra Garland and partner Frances Higginbottom of Salem,NH, and grand-daughter Alexa Garland of Pelham, NH . One of ten children, she also leaves behind siblings Ida Salafia, Andrew Lombardi and wife Anna, Leonard Lombardi and wife Rose, Guido Lombardi.and wife Ramona and sister-in-law Helen Lombardi. She was predeceased by siblings Elvira Salafia, Letizia Nigrelli, Angelo Lombardi, Sylvia Scifo and Eugene Lombardi. She will be sorely missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and Bo-Bo.
The family sincerely thanks the staffs at Salem Haven Nursing Home and Rehab Center and the Lawrence General Hospital as well as her personal Home Health Aide Kathy Milone for their exceptional care and dedication.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 10:00AM in Corpus Christi Church in Lawrence, MA.
Friends and family may call on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841.
In lieu of flowers, the family has designated Salem Haven's Van fund for memorial contributions. Donations can be sent to Salem Haven at 23 Geremonty Drive, Salem NH 03079.