Rose Marie Caramagno

life story

A caring, nurturing, and protective mother

A caring, nurturing, and protective mother

Rose Marie Caramagno (Bartel)

1935 – 2024

88 years old

Rose Marie Caramagno, born Rose Marie Bartel on November 5th, 1935, peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, in Anaheim, California, at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 25 years, Frank, who passed away in 1985, and her daughter, Antonietta, who left this world the day after her birth in 1960.

Rose is survived by her devoted son, Anthony, his wife Amy Roblyer, and grandchildren Michael and Ava. She also leaves behind her sister, Gertrude Bartel, and nieces Carol Bartel, Kathy Bartel, and Deanna Bartel. Rose was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Bartel, sister-in-law, Dorothy Bartel, and nephew Rick Bartel.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Rose spent her entire life in The City. The youngest child of Karl and Mathilda Bartel (née Haller), who immigrated to the United States from Austria after World War I, Rose grew up in Noe Valley and the Mission districts and graduated from Mission High School in 1953. At the time of confirming her Roman Catholic faith, she adopted the name of St. Cecilia for her confirmation name.

In 1957, Rose crossed paths with Frank Caramagno, born in Augusta, Sicily, in 1926. Their connection blossomed, leading to marriage in September of 1959.

Rose and Frank cherished 25 years of marriage, embarking on trips to Italy in the 1960s and 1970s, complemented by annual visits to Disneyland. They participated in Italian picnics at Blackberry Farm in Cupertino, California, and Italian dinner dances at the Italian Athletic Club in San Francisco during the 1970s, fostering deep friendships with family friends from Augusta. Rose's warmth and friendliness earned her the affectionate title of "cummari" among Frank's friends. Pronounced as “cou-ma-ree,” translated from Sicilian, the term means "female friendship that is more like family."

Rose will be profoundly missed by her family. Despite the passing of Frank, she lived independently with remarkable strength for 39 years. Even during her illness, she fought hard to overcome her afflictions. Her son is grateful for the additional years spent with her beyond her marriage to Frank. Rose, known for her artistic skills and interest in astrology, was a caring, nurturing, and protective mother. Her love extended to her daughter-in-law and grandchildren, always prioritizing their well-being. Until her last moments, she selflessly inquired about their lives before discussing her own health.

It brings comfort to know that Rose has reunited with the Lord and has joined Frank, Antonietta, and the rest of her family, along with Frank's relatives.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Rose's Funeral Mass on Thursday, April 11th, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church in San Mateo, California. After a short reception, interment will occur at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California.

In place of flowers and as part of the ongoing effort to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, please consider donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Rose's name.

memorial service

Funeral Mass

April 11, 2024

St Matthew Catholic Church 1 Notre Dame Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA