Rose Marie M. Barcellona, active at Epworth
Rose Marie M. Barcellona, 67, of Lewes passed away suddenly Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at her home. She was born in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 4, 1951, daughter of the late Anthony V. and Marie C. Barcellona.
Rose retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2002 after serving 32 years in diverse leadership positions including manager of operations and sales integration, manager of plant operations at headquarters, Allegheny area manager, In-plant support plant manager, and South Jersey district director, city operation, Philadelphia. Rose had a great gift for organizing and motivating people. Since her retirement, she served in various leadership positions at Epworth United Methodist Church of Rehoboth, including chairperson of the board of trustees, chair of Caring Ministries Pathway and Evangelism, Stephen Ministry, Finance Committee and capital fundraising initiatives, and was a member of Epworth's Governing Board.
Rose was the first chairperson of the board of trustees at the church's facility on Holland Glade Road, where she established new policies and procedures for church leaders' succession. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Boys & Girls Club of Sussex County, and she served on that board of directors after chairing the board of trustees.
Rose was passionate and generous about sharing her home and Italian cooking. Her love of her sister's singing was demonstrated by her faithful attendance of her performances. Rose's service to Christ and His love was reflected by her investment in each life she touched.
Rose is survived by her devoted and loving sister, Mary Anne Barcellona-Collins and her brother-in-law Michael Collins of Arnold, Md.; her godchild, Nicole Roggeman; Miriam Keefer, who she took under her wing in support of her adoption to this country; her former partner of 28 years, Robbin Murray; ex-husband Terry Kreplin of Franklin Park, Ill.; and a very close community of long-term friends and caregivers who were very dear and loyal to her, as she was to them.
A celebration of Rose's life will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.
In lieu of flowers, Rose requested contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, 669 South Union St., Wilmington, DE 19805, or Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
