Rosemary Price

Rosemary (Smith) Price, 68, passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 24,2022 in the home she shared with her husband, James. She and James were married 47 years.

Rosemary, who preferred to be called Rose, was born on November 17,1953 to the late Harold W. and Julia Smith. She is survived by her older brothers: Harold and Michael Smith. Rose always loved her big brothers. She often told stories of them growing up together. How she gave her brother, Harold, his nickname of Sonny. He was her protector. And, how she made Michael (Mickey) her daughter's godfather. Her brothers were both in the Service and she was proud of them. She always flew a flag each for them, as well as for her father and husband in honor of their service.

Rose was raised in Frackville, where she attended the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church with her family. She went to the Franklin School in Frackville, until High School where she went to Shenandoah Valley. Later, going on to become a loving wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In March of 1975 (they could never remember the exact day), Rose married James Price and had their first daughter Christine. A year later they had Melody. Rose mostly dressed Melody and Christine in matching outfits when they were small, so people assumed they were twins. Eight years, and a little unexpectedly, Rose had her daughter Amanda. Still, there are pictures of all three daughters dressed up in the same dresses, just different colors. As parents, Rose and James made the decision to raise their children in the Catholic faith. Later, renewing their vows in a small Catholic ceremony in which Rose was dubbed a Catholic.

As a mom she always made sure her children came first. She raised them to be strong-spirited and caring, just like her. She was the type of mom who gave her girls, as she liked to refer to them, many cherished memories of her dancing or singing, decorating for Christmas, going for walks in the middle of the night to get doughnuts in the morning, or just talking for hours. When her girls were young, they didn't always know when, but they could always count on her surprising them with special days to Knoebel's, shopping or just to spend time with them by skipping school. The family had traditions that Rose made sure they did every year. They tried never to miss the ABA parade in Ashland, trips to Knoebel's during the summer, decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving and spending days driving to nowhere or anywhere. As her girls got older, she gained sons-in-law. She especially had a fondness for Santo, who she loved like a son. She didn't always get along with her girls, but even when she didn't, she loved them fiercely and wanted the best for them. She would want them to always remember that.

As a grandmother, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up. Always attending their school events, taking them to breakfast with Santa or to buy a toy and go out to eat. She would be found doing things to make them smile or laugh, like trying on silly hats at the store or saying something so bizarrely funny. She made sure she spent time with each of them individually, but always made sure they spend time with them all together. She was their Nanny. She loved them dearly and was excited to get to do the same with her great-grandchild, Liam. When Liam was born, it gave her another reason to be excited by life. Since the day he was born, she was there for everyone of his events. If it involved Liam, she was happy. They had their own special relationship. They would take walks, go to the park, go to church to say their prayers or just act silly together.

Rose made her life around her family. But, she also loved making friends along the way, listening to music, watching Christmas movies, decorating for holidays, taking walks, helping stray animals and talking to the missionaries from Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. She leaves behind her beloved dog Hunter, who she doted on and spoiled.

Rose is survived by her husband James Price of Mahanoy City; Daughters Amanda Price of Mahanoy City, Melody Watkins and her partner Shawn Whalen, of Frackville, and Christine Rago and her husband Santo Rago Jr., of Schuylkill Haven; Grandchildren JoLeen Price, Chad Price, Jessica Rago, Jamie Rago, and Jayson Rago; great-grandson, Liam Barrineau, 8; brothers Harold W. Smith, Jr. of Minersville, and Michael Smith of Pottsville; Sisters and Brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until time of service. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions , in Rose's name,  to Hillside SPCA at PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 (click here to donate online)