Rose Alice (Saccamando) Barbieri, 97, passed away on February 22, 2023. She was born on April 4, 1925, to Salvatore and Maria (Maresi) Saccamando in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Rose was the epitome of, “The Greatest Generation.” She lived a meaningful and memorable life for nearly a century by having determination, tenacity, and tolerance. She was also a devout Catholic and had a strong faith in God. She had unwavering loyalty to her family, whom she always put first and loved unconditionally.
Rose was forever young at heart, direct and honest. She was fiercely independent and as sharp as a whip her entire life. Rose had unstoppable energy and was open to trying new things. She took one day at a time and celebrated life’s joys such as bird watching and a sunny day.
Rose was perceptive and provided comfort, sage advice, and life lessons. She was of the mindset to not sweat the small stuff and, “buck up!”
Rose loved to walk and enjoyed the friendships she formed with the Ludlow Senior Center Walking Club, where she was also a longtime volunteer.
Rose made delicious and unrivaled food, much of it authentic to her Italian/Sicilian heritage. She loved gardening and had a tremendous green thumb; she could make any plant bloom, which demonstrated her optimism and resilience. Animals including birds and puppies also gravitated to Rose because of her warmth and positive energy.
Rose was an avid reader. She loved Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and western movies. She always wore lovely outfits, many in red, her favorite color. She was a member of the Red Hats Society. She also liked to crochet and sew.
Rose had an extraordinary work ethic. She lettered in three high school varsity sports. She worked at Westinghouse during World War II, and then Carter's, Inc. and Gemini, Corp. She was proud of earning her sewing certificate during a night program while also working and raising her family.
Rose was predeceased by her loving husband of 41 years, Joseph Angelo Barbieri, Sr., and by her 12 siblings.
Beloved and cherished by many, Rose is survived by her three children and their spouses, Mary & Richard Forni, Joseph & Kathleen Barbieri, and Patricia & Robert Foley, 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren - who all admired and revered their Nonnie - and many dear nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, February 27, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield. On Tuesday, a visiting hour will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, proceeding to Rose’s 10:00 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, followed by her committal service at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by calling the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization Rose generously supported, at 855-448-3997.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.