Mrs. Rose M. (Gaetano) Jones

Mrs. Rose M. (Gaetano) Jones, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with the love and support of her family. Rose was born in Utica, the daughter of the late Anthony and Congetta (Rizzo) Gaetano. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. She continued her academic studies at St. Luke’s Hospital where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University. On September 14, 1946 she married Moelwyn Jones with whom she shared a blessed union of 48 years before his death in 1995. Rose practiced her profession as a surgical nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital for a period of eleven years. She was proud to serve as office nurse for Dr. A. L. Shaheen. After receiving her degree and certification she held a position at New York Mills School District as a School Nurse teacher for twenty years. Rose was active in many civic, religious, and health-related organizations. She served as president of the St. Luke’s Alumnae and was a member of the Lucy-Kellogg Relief Society. She assisted with Red Cross Blood Drives and while President of the Opti-Mrs. Club of Utica she held Salk Polio Vaccine Clinics and participated in awarding scholarships to future nursing students. Many would remember her as she continued to volunteer at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with much dedication and vibrance. She was a chaplain with the American Legion Post, Auxiliary #1376 in New Hartford, a member of Uarda Temple No. 24 Daughters of the Nile, and past Secretary of the 100,000 Republican Women’s Club. While a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the Parish Council, the Altar Rosary Society, and assisted in preparing food for Neighbors Inc. At Acacia Village she was known as ‘Mother Theresa’ in respect to her many good deeds. She also held a position in their AVAR organization. Rose is survived by her daughter, Donna Jones Ilsley of Seattle, Washington; her grandchildren, Jessica, Christopher, and Allison; her great-grandson, Tristin; and her brother, Charles Gaetano. She mourned the loss of her sister-in-law who recently passed, Connie (Nelson) Gaetano. She leaves numerous nieces and nephews, with special mention of Mary Judith, and Debbie (Moore) DenHaese with whom she shared a very close relationship, and Rose remembered them for their many kindnesses; great-nieces, great-nephews, and many close cousins. She also had been blessed with numerous friends, with special mention of Shirley Jones, Kevin Roberts, Jane Lazur, and Faith Norton. She was predeceased by her sister, Julia Gaetano; and her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Angela Gaetano. The family wishes to thank her physicians and caregivers who tended to Rose with much compassion and concern. The family celebrated Rose’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. Lafache. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of mass. Memorial contributions may be considered to the Abraham House in remembrance of her time spent with the Shaheen family and her love of nursing; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Crown Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.