Rosemarie Veronica Powalski, age 76 of Chadds Ford, PA, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2025.
Rose was born in 1949 to Margaret and Frank W. Kelly. She grew up in Kenmore, NY and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in 1966. She continued her education at Rochester Nursing School, receiving her degree in 1969. That same year she married her childhood sweetheart Gregory D. Powalski. Along with raising her four children, Rose worked as a registered nurse for over 20 years in both Kenmore, NY and Wilmington, DE. Her compassionate and nurturing disposition made her well-suited for her role in labor and delivery taking care of newborns. Recently, Rose moved to Pennsylvania after spending 25 years living at the beach in Hilton Head Island, SC.
Rose enjoyed countless artistic hobbies and had an exceptional talent for interior decorating and creating beauty around herself and her family. Over the years, she moved often and enjoyed the home design and building process. She exquisitely designed her own homes while meticulously painting and decorating each room herself. She masterfully crafted hand-sewn curtains, pillows, and slipcovers and impeccably refinished furniture and cabinets all by hand. Rose always had an ongoing home project and was oftentimes found up on a ladder with a paint brush or drill in hand. Her other impressive skills included sewing clothes, knitting, needlepoint, cooking, and baking. Rose loved to relax on the beach and spend time with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nana and Geema. Her genuine kindness and soft demeanor will leave a lasting impression. She will be immensely missed.
Rose is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Gregory D. Powalski; her son Gregg Powalski (Amy); her daughter Carli Hall (Brian); her son Brian Powalski; her grandchildren: Connor, Ava, Lila, Charlie, Jack, and Brendan; her brothers Peter Kelly (Pat), Michael Kelly (Marcia); and her sister Kaelin Kelly (Les); as well as her many nieces and nephews.
Rose was preceded in death by her son, Adam Powalski; her brother, Brian Kelly; and her parents, Margaret and Frank W. Kelly.
A private graveside service will be held in the coming weeks, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved son, Adam.
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