Obituary of Rose "Rosie" Marie Woodward

Rose Marie Simonelli was born July 18, 1936 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of nine children born from the union of the late Michael Angelo Simonelli and the late Dorothy (Murphy) Simonelli. She received her spiritual nourishment through St. Michaels Church in Monroe where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended Monroe High School until graduating with her class.

Rosie met and married the love of her life: Donald Robert Woodward.  From this union they were blessed with seven children. She worked hard to support her family at Mercy Memorial Hospital where she assisted in the Nursery until retiring. Rosie attended St. Anne’s Church and was very active in the Women’s Club until her health declined. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, baking and watching college sports, especially Notre Dame. Rosie always looked forward to trips to Amish Country with her family.

Above anything, Rosie loved spending time with her family. She attended all her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and always looked forward to hosting gatherings and cookouts just to spend time with them. Her kind soul and loving nature are just a few things that will be missed by those who knew her.  

Rose Marie Woodward, age 82 of Monroe, passed away on February 20, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. In addition to her parents, her passing is preceded by two sons: Donald Robert Woodward Jr. and Theodore Michael Woodward; her brothers: Jack, Michael, Edward, Theodore and Tom Simonelli; and her sisters: Gloria Burchett, Betsy Webb and Dorothy “Fimmy” Baily.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of sixty-five years: Donald “Bob” Woodward; her children: Joseph Woodward, Teri Woodward, Sheri (Rick) Herrera, Eric (Rosalie) Woodward and Holli Woodward; her grandchildren: Ryan Gaines, Lisa Gaines, Ricky (Christine) Herrera, Crystal Herrera, Justin (Jacquie) Woodward, Katie Woodward, Erica Woodward, Tim Parrish and Nick Navarre; her great-grandchildren: Brittney Hackett, Austin Spurlock, Brynna Gaines, Brady Gaines, Hailey Herrera, Alyssa Herrera, Ethan Herrera, Laila Herrera, Mya Herrera, Shelby Woodward and Mark Juchnik; and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 24, 2019 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185 with a Rosary at 7:00pm. She will lie in state on Monday, February 25, 2019 from 10:00am until a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Anne’s Church 2420 N Dixie Highway, Monroe 48162 (734)289-2910.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.