Rosemarie Levesque

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt respect that we announce the passing of our beloved Rosemarie Borda Levesque. Rosemarie graced this world for just short of 97 years, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She peacefully left us on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Rose was born and raised in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents, Josephine (Giuseppa) Caccuri and Carmine Borda, migrated from San Mauro Marchesato, Calabria, Italy. She was a pillar of strength, love, and resilience, embodying the true essence of family and accepting God’s will throughout her life. Her life was a testament to the virtues of dedication, tradition, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Linda Vitelli, and her loving sister, Celia Borda Candeloro, both of whom were her constant sources of support and joy; her grandchildren, Ray-Joseph, Nicholas, Michael, Vincent, Lacey, Christopher, Brian, and Melissa; 17 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. The sixth of seven children, she was predeceased by her husband, Leon; her sons, Richard, Leon, Louis, and Baby Richard; her great-grandson Justin; her brothers Pasquale, Louis, Joseph (Pepe), and Vince, and her sister Clara Fanelli. Despite these profound losses, Rosemarie continued to be the heart and soul of her family. Rosemarie was a pillar of strength and grace.

Rosemarie was a woman of many talents and interests. After graduating from South Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1946, Rose attended nursing school and worked at Saint Agnes Hospital until her first child was born. After raising her children, she returned to nursing and worked at Jeanes Hospital as a pediatric nurse. She was an avid reader and delighted in the worlds and adventures found within the pages of her favorite books. She visited the library regularly to stock up on books. In her later years, Rose could be found sitting in the sun in her backyard reading and watching nature. She also enjoyed PBS documentaries, knitting and crocheting. She found immense joy in crafting beautiful pieces that warmed the hearts and hands of her loved ones, and she was always on the lookout for the right color skein of yarn for someone’s blanket. Her devotion to her faith was evident in her meticulous work making rosary beads, which she lovingly sent overseas to bring comfort to those in need.

Rose was devoted to her family and was thrilled to have her great-grandchildren always nearby. She was lovingly called Grandmom by all her grandchildren’s friends. A gifted storyteller, Rosemarie kept her family's history and traditions alive through her tales, ensuring that the essence of their heritage was passed down through the generations. The holidays were especially significant, as she maintained the cherished family customs of making such dishes as cheese pie and Italian wedding soup, dishes that will forever remind her family of her love and care. Rose and her sisters were inseparable as children and young adults, and they continued to enjoy that closeness throughout their lives by taking trips to Italy and Florida together or just spending extended time together in each other’s homes. When they could no longer travel, they spoke at least once daily by phone.

Rosemarie's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, tradition, and resilience. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide her family members, who were blessed to have been touched by her remarkably positive spirit. In honoring Rosemarie's memory, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, dear Rose, Mom, Grandmom, Aunt Rose, Aunt Rosie. Your kind spirit and unconditional love will be dearly missed, yet your memory will live on through the many lives you touched throughout your lifetime.

On her 97th birthday, Thursday, September 12, 2024, a Mass will be held at St. Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, beginning at 11:00 AM. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem.