Mrs. Rosa "Rosina" (Millo) Druscovich

UTICA – Mrs. Rosa “Rosina” (Millo) Druscovich, age 98, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. After many years as the matriarch of her family, she now rests in peace. Born in Momiano, Istria, on December 12, 1927, Rosa was the daughter of the late Antonio and Antonia (Bartoli) Millo. During World War II, she bravely endured the hardships of war. She lost loved ones and lived with the constant threat of gunfire, military patrols, and kidnapping. It was not an easy childhood. In 1956, as a young woman, Rosa came to the United States with her husband—a decision that would shape the rest of their lives. They first settled in White Plains, then spent time in the Bronx before moving to Utica in 1957, which became their lifelong home. She was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1962. Rosa was married to Marino Druscovich on October 1, 1950. Together she and her husband built their home piece by piece, and today the third generation still resides in this well-built family homestead. The couple shared more than 31 years of marriage prior to his passing on February 4, 1982. She loved him deeply and continued to speak of him fondly throughout the years. For a time, Rosa worked as a seamstress at Joseph and Feiss Co. After becoming a mother, she devoted herself to raising her daughter, caring for her husband, and tending to the needs of their home. She was a master in the garden, whether growing flowers or vegetables. With loving care, she helped everything she planted flourish. Many of her meals came straight from her garden to the table—fresh, wholesome, and impossible to duplicate. Some of her signature dishes included chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, and soup made with tiny meatballs called “Balutse.” Throughout her many years in America, her cooking remained a living expression of her Istrian heritage. Rosa labored tirelessly day after day. Her work gave her life and purpose, and she approached every role with selflessness and dedication. She kept a steady schedule and found meaning in caring for those around her. She sang from a young age, especially in church. Music and dancing were woven into her heritage and remained a constant thread throughout her upbringing. That beautiful voice that accompanied music brought her much delight. Rosa has left a legacy of kindness, pleasantries, and hard work. In her leisure time, she would entertain herself by crocheting, sewing, completing word search books, watching Italian television, and talking to family members on the phone. She felt most complete when everyone was together, especially on Thanksgiving and Easter. She lovingly assisted with all the preparations and cooking, bringing her family together around the table. She never forgot her heritage; she lived it and kept it alive, always proud of where she came from. She was a devoted Nonna and like a second mother to Nick, with whom she lived. A natural caretaker, she gave of herself freely. She had a wonderful sense of humor and delivered her words with cheerfulness and elegance. Even when the joke was on her, she accepted it graciously. A lifelong believer who knew and loved Jesus, she made it a priority to attend weekly Mass, whether in person or on television. Her faith was rooted in prayer and the sacraments, and she was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. It is a remarkable statement for her family to say that this woman remained joyful until the very last days of her life. One of her defining qualities was that she never complained about her circumstances and never wished to be a burden. She was independent and strong, yet graceful, elements which defined her lifestyle until the end. Rosa loved and missed her daughter, Lisa M. Gilberti, who preceded her on July 6, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rosa was the beloved Nonna of Nicholas A. and Christina (Vallese) Gilberti - with whom she shared a life that was so precious. Rosa is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Eleanora Lisa Rose Gilberti; sister, Nella Smillovich and her late husband of Trieste, Italy; her late brother, Armando Smillovich; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and cousins who reside in Canada. She enjoyed her neighbors, Biaggio and Elvira Cirico and their family, the late Johnny and Evelyn Lapolla, the Bollana family, and the Malusa family. Throughout her life, she was surrounded by many dear friends who brought her great joy. Rosa was further predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Valentino and Antonia (Banchi) Druscovich; and her brother-in-law, Elio Druscovich. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Sitrin Health Care Center’s Chestnut Household for their care and compassion. They would often say what a pleasant person Rosa was to tend to! Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rosa's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Rosa "Rosina" (Millo) Druscovich

December 12, 1927 - February 18, 2026