Rose Mary Mittenzwei

April 26, 1940 - October 9, 2020

Rose Mary was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. The daughter of Charlotte McGee and Sidney Cox. Right there, on 4th Avenue and 44th Street, in Saint Michael's Parish, Coxie's Army began with Rose Mary, her cherished brothers Jimmy and Gerard, her beautiful sisters Catherine, Charlotte and Theresa who was her beloved ''kid sister''. The stories of their childhood bring you to that glorious place where laughter and crying meet - your sides ache, your heart bursts and the tears are streaming! Poodle skirts, rolled up t-shirts, peddle pushers and bobby socks. Dances, tiny waists, the Copa Cabana, cigarettes and Red Label & Water. Rose Mary had the voice of an angel and the legs of Cyd Cherise. It was a young man, who grew up just a few streets away, that would become her forever sweetheart and dancing partner, Frank. Frank (Snake) and Rose Mary (his button nose) fell in love and married in 1960. For 61 years they were sweethearts and almost never spent a day apart. Their marriage, their friendship, and their devotion to one other was indescribable and is the heart of our family. What an amazing life they built together! Francis (Frankie), Rose Mary (Sissy), Michael, Ann, Veronica (Roni), Charlotte, William Joseph (Billy Joe), Melissa and Thomas (T.J.) are their nine children. Rose Mary was a force of nature driven by her devotion to her family. Her children never wanted for anything even when there were only pennies in the bank - she found a way. Celebrations were her specialties - Christmas, Easter and every 'birthday lunch' in every restaurant on the island! But her greatest gift to her family was not wrapped in bows or decorated or celebrated - it was the gift of her strength. Rose Mary, our mother, walked through unbelievable heart breaks and she always found her strength to carry on, to laugh, to sing, and to celebrate again. When our heartbreaks came - she was the one phone call, the one voice to reach, the hand you held. Somehow, through the impossible, her strength carried us through. Rose Mary was that for every one. As a Nanny to 21, a Great - Nanny to 6 and to her many nieces and nephews she had a profound impact in their lives and who they are. Many say that she was their biggest fan and it was so true! She lit up the room, became fast friends with strangers, ran the show, organized everyone and everything! Co workers, neighbors, and family friends became part of her family and they relished the moments they got to spend with her. Reaching 80 years old meant that her strength needed to take a new form in order for her to continue to carry and guide us. Rose Mary's strength and love will be with us, all through our lives, from her place in heaven where so many of her loved ones were waiting for her light to be among them. May she find comfort and rest peacefully. Although it is more likely that she is running the place now. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at St Clare Church located at 110 Nelson Ave Staten Island, New York 10308. Cremation will be private. Please be mindful due to the current State mandate that a mask must be worn at all times in the funeral home and social distancing requirements must be followed during the services. Due to the current Pandemic a strict 40-50 person in room policy is in effect, please adhere to this policy and allow others to pay their respects as well.