Rose (Dejulio) Schneider

Rose was born on March 8, 1923 in Denver Colorado to Loretto and Virginia De Julio, Italian immigrants who lived on 36th Avenue and Jason Street. She was the 4th youngest of 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls. She is survived by her sisters Violet and Emma.

She grew up in North Denver and always enjoyed going to school. She graduated in 1940 from North High and joined the Navy in 1941 to support World War II, the war to end all wars. Always adventurous and courageous, she was stationed for the duration of the war in Alameda, California where she rose to the rank of Chief Yeoman. She loved the Navy, California and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. For the next 70 years, she would often talk about her life in the Navy. During her time in the Navy, she met and married her husband Eddie on August 2, 1947. Next month, they would have been married 68 years.

Rose had 6 children, Stephen, Michael, Danny, David and Jeff. She also had a daughter, Susan that died at birth. With 5 boys and their friends, there was always a few "extra children" around. She never minded, always welcoming them as well as the part of the group. Her nephew James was always part of the group when the kids were growing up and throughout her life. Nephews and nieces came to know "Aunt Rosie" as a wonderful person who was always there with a smile, a hug and something kind to say.

All of the boys went to St. Catherine's School. She was determined for all of the boys to grow up Catholic. There was nothing that any of the boys wanted to try that Rose wasn't up for. Football, basketball, baseball, skiing, ice skating - whenever they wanted to try something, somehow, she would figure out how to get the money together to pay for it. She always put her family ahead of her own needs.

As Rose grew older and the boys married, grandchildren became Rose's pride and joy. She literally has hundreds of photos she took and carefully put into photo albums for the boys and grandchildren. As "Gramma Rosie" to all of her grandkids and was always quick with a grilled cheese sandwich or a small bowl of pastina with butter. Or when the parents weren't around, maybe a little candy or ice cream. She was the first one to tell you she had a sweet tooth!

Rose loved getting everyone together for any occasion including 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day (which was very special to her) or for the "birthday week" in June. She shared that Memorial Day was special because she personally knew young sailors that went off to war and were killed during her time in the Navy. She never forgot the sacrifice they made. She was a proud American and veteran.

Later in life when she went to Hawaii with her granddaughter Nicki, they visited the USS Arizona memorial. She told Nicki she remembered exactly where she was and what she was doing when she heard Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Being stationed at a California Naval base during that event, forever left a sadness that she only could share once in a while.

After Eddie retired and moved to Hawaii, along with always being involved her immediate family, she continued being Gramma Rosie or Aunt Rosie to the next generation of great-grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews. At 90, her 1st great-great-grandchild was born.

Rose was blessed with a long life well lived. Her family was everything to her. There is a saying, "Once met – never forgotten!" How appropriate that is to describe Rose. She was kind, compassionate and loving. She even showed compassion when the Broncos would lose!

All those who knew her, were blessed with her loving spirit. Her faith was an important part of her life and sustained her through many challenges she faced in her life. She would be happy to see all of us here celebrating her life. Her son Michael had a dream a few days before she passed and said in his dream Rose was running, young and free from sickness. Now she is with her mother, father, brothers sisters, grandson and all those that have gone before her and she is smiling and will be waiting to greet us when it is our time.

We will miss you and we will never forget you!