Rose A. McColgan

Plucked out of the audience in Switzerland in an exhibition, she was given a single shot out of a crossbow. Better than all the other professional contestants, her bolt landed dead center, defeating a world champion. Not bad for her first shot ever. Though the crowd insisted she receive the pewter medal for the win, the professional insisted he kept the cash. But, for Rose it was just another adventure. She and her husband traveled the world, meeting dignitaries and occasionally interrupting movie shoots with Farrah Fawcett. For years she worked at Children’s Hospital as a Medical Secretary. And if it was for a good cause, Rose always gave 100%: She was Lioness of the year in the Lion’s Club for raising the most money. Rose was quite a cook; some thought because of her use of the finest wines in her dishes. Her hands were seldom idle; Rose took classes in interior decorating and flower arranging. She helped many a friend position their pillows and paintings just so. A mom to the end, Rose always had a Kleenex up her sleeve.

Sitting at a bus stop in Philadelphia she was approached by a guy who said that the route had been diverted. Of course she was always being approached by guys, so she continued to wait. It wasn’t until someone else confirmed the story that she and her friend agreed to accept a ride from Hank. On their first date to an exclusive club in Philly, Hank told the bartender to meet the future mother of his children. Though Rose and the bartender may have laughed it off, Hank was a man on a mission. Their 55 year union was blessed by 4 children: Brenda Goldberg and her husband, Dave, and their son, Brian, Kathleen Cassidy and her husband, Bob, and their sons, Craig and Ryan, and the late Brian and the late Craig. Rose is survived by her sister, Linda Samperi.

Come celebrate 82 adventurous years Tuesday 9:30-11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Broad Street, Swedesboro. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem PA. Donations in lieu of flowers to Children’s Leukemia (childrensleukemia.org) 585 Stewart Ave # 18, Garden City, NY 11530.