1936
2015
Andrea T. (McLaughlin) Rosa age 78, born October 30, 1936 in Waltham, MA, has passed at her home today May 24, 2015 in Williamsburg, VA to join her Heavenly Father. She is survived by her husband Michael G. Rosa, their children and their families.
Andrea on the Fine Art America website:
"Well, you won't find a long list of marvelous Art Academy's and mind boggling Art Degrees here. Instead, I am the poster child for.....'Oh! SOMEDAY I would love to learn to paint!' About 5 years ago (08') 'someday' arrived..... It was late, but it really is never too late. I am attracted to vibrant colors, the ocean, things out of the ordinary and many of my paintings are 'surreal' to some extant. I am fascinated by clouds. My most recent painting, the 'Lily Of The Nile', a large. 24' x 36' oil on canvas was inspired by the thought..........'go for it!' So, I shall paint on and never have to look for 'someday'." Andrea created non-stopped till ALS robbed her of that ability. We have her gifts forever on our walls and forever in our hearts.
Andrea had many talents: a loving and supportive wife, a caring and strong mother, a great cook, floral shop owner, fabulous party planner and attendee. Andrea knew how to put together a party from decorations to food and she knew how to keep it going with conversation and stories. She had a strong flair for the dramatic having performed and directed many stage productions with the Camelot Players. She was a master key punch operator back when that was high tech, loved to sew and decorate and did garden design. She was a woman of many talents and passions.
Michael (Mike) was the love of her life and together the two of them created a life together to be proud of. "My Marriage, of the past 56 years, has been a storybook, in that, Andrea made me the man I am and groomed me for the success, I achieved. There were bumps of learning, but those bumps made us stronger and made our knot tighter. How lucky I was to be able to take care of her, and hold and hug her. We laughed together and cried together and had a lot of moments of deep thought and silence."
Andrea grew up in Waltham, MA the only child to Henry A. and Madeleine C. (Connelly) McLaughlin. Andrea attended Saint Mary's High School and Emerson College majoring in Speech Therapy and Drama. Mike then whisked her away to be his wife and life mate. They were married June 15, 1958. Over the decades they lived in Chelmsford, MA; Pittsford, NY; San Jose, CA; Boise, ID; Colorado Springs, CO; Monterey, CA; and finally settling in Williamsburg, VA. They also traveled to many unique and exotic places in the world from Hong Kong to Bermuda to Nova Scotia, her mother Madeline's roots, and to Niagara Falls.
Andrea leaves behind along with her loving husband Mike; daughters, Jean Rosa, Donna Hayden (Jeff); granddaughter, Elizabeth Hayden (Ben); grandson, Thomas Hayden; and great-grandson Dean.
A visitation will be held, on Thursday, May 28 from 3:30PM to 5PM held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA. A service will be held at 5PM followed by a reception, for all to remember and celebrate Andrea's life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Andrea's memory to the Heritage Human Society of Williamsburg, VA by selecting Donate and then to Memorials, Honors and Tributes. Thoughts, remembrances and condolences can be posted to www.nelsencares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 18, 2016
Mike Rosa
As the last page of the Guest Book comes to a close, you will never be forgotten
All my love always till we meet again
Michael
June 10, 2015
Vanessa
I loved and still love you so very much, I hope somehow you knew.
June 6, 2015
Mike
It is said that you will not start your journey until the ceremony is over.
As you sit with him and look down at us,remember a Chapel full of your friends and admirers and loved ones.
I will remember, love and admire you till we meet again.
June 5, 2015
Joanna Rosa
Mom you will be missed and will always be in my heart, as you always have been in my heart. My condolences go to my dad who has loved my mom like I have never seen a man love a woman. Love your daughter Joanna and her husband Joseph
June 3, 2015
Kathy
I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea and her husband Mike two years ago at a Caregivers class. I was so inspired by Andrea's courage and humor in the face of a very difficult future; and the relationship between Mike and Andrea was so touching. I hope you are laughing and dancing in heaven
May 28, 2015
Elizabeth Hayden
Grammy,
What a firecracker. So full of love and life. I will always cherish our summer trips to visit. All the wonderful places we saw and memories we made. Months full of love and laughter. The dreaded "photo ops" that I now hold close to my heart. Grammy you left your mark on this world and created a beautiful life. Without you none of this would be possible. I will always hold you close to my heart.
May 28, 2015
Psalms 46:1 "God is our strength in times of distress
My sincerest condolences
May 28, 2015
Toni Ann Woods
"Auntie Andrea, rest well in heaven with your usual flair~~I am sure you will bring a sense of style to the place. You have left an imprint in the lives of those you touched. We will each remember you in our own memories and pray for peace, strength and understanding for those of us who wait to join you. Life is eternal"~~ Love, your niece, Toni Ann Woods
May 28, 2015
Amy Powell
Andrea's wit and humor were unforgettable. It was a pleasure to know her and her husband. My thoughts are with the family.
May 27, 2015
May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. Sending our most heartfelt condolences,
Tom, Pam, Penny, Wayne and Randal
AEM Group, Cary NC
May 27, 2015
shannon root
I am going to miss Andrea, I gained a new family in the precious few months I was able to help take care of Andrea. She will always have a special place in my heart as does Mike and the girls.
May 27, 2015
Nikki Conrad
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nikki Conrad
May 27, 2015
Donna Hayden
Mom I miss you so much you know how much I love you. Your legacy will go on forever with your family and grandchildren. Thank you for being my Mom. I love you
May 27, 2015
Ellen, John & Alisa Matarzynski
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 26, 2015
Rest in peace
I love you
May 26, 2015
Karen Jocham
My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Jean and the Rosa family.
Jean, I wish I could take away the sadness you feel and replace it with memories of all the good times you had with your Mom.
Karen Jocham
May 26, 2015
Andie,you will never be forgotten, Rest in peace dear friend, Love Eddie and Maureen
May 26, 2015
Frank & Joanne Corvino
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 26, 2015
My heart goes out to all of you. Andrea was a very special person - fun, talented, and beautiful. Please know that my prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will never forget her!
Sally Stevens
May 25, 2015
Jean Rosa
Mom,in my heart and in my soul you will always be.
Love
"Denni"
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