Rosaria M Ruggeri

Rosaria Marie Ruggeri, known affectionately as "Rose," or "Roe," passed away September 14, 2015. A lifelong resident of South Chicago Heights and a 1974 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, she was known by many through jobs at Jewel Food Store in Chicago Heights, Chicago Heights National Bank, and Landauer Inc.; as a dispatcher for the Chicago Heights Police Department; and at Tower Cleaners in Park Forest, owned by friends who cared for her until the end, Janet and Terry Fiorenzo. A woman who spoke her mind, Rose also was hilariously funny and could have an entire room screaming with laughter at the stories she told. Rose savored the small things in life. She loved music and food, and made meals a ritual. She also loved fire. A great morning included cooking breakfast over a grill; a great evening was spent with friends around a roaring fire pit. Perhaps more than anything, Rose loved dogs and adopted many over the years. Rose is survived by numerous friends and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lillian Ruggeri, and her fiancée, Beverly Johnson. A memorial service will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Road, Steger, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Suburban Humane Society. Further information call Steger Memorial Chapel at 708-755-6100.