Rose A. Serge (nee Macri)

Rosina “Rose” A. Serge, 93, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026 at home in the presence of her loving family. Born on December 1,1932, “Rosie” was the youngest of eight children & the daughter of the late Domenico and Carmella (Bocastro) Macri. Domenico immigrated from Italy in pursuit of the American Dream leaving Carmella to raise their first few children. Years later, he went back to Italy to move them to Niagara Falls where the rest of their children were born. Rosie met her childhood sweetheart and future husband of 68 years, Joseph Serge when they were 11 in 1943. Rosie was fascinated by Joe’s accent, “I loved the way he talked. He always made me laugh!” They married in 1951 at the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church. Rosie attended local schools and majored in Secretarial Science (Stenography, Pittman Shorthand, Typing, Business Math, and Administration) at Niagara Falls High School, but her lifelong passion was food and cooking. She started out as a cook at the famous Como restaurant. She also worked at the Clock, the Greens, Delfredo’s, Pete’s Market House, Gigio’s Cafe, and the Hitching Post. Rosie specialized in making classic Italian foods like homemade gnocchi & sauce, cardoons, and lasagna. She also enjoyed making homemade soups and other ethnic & cultural dishes. Rosie always had a way with people, but nothing made her happier than taking care of her family, especially her Joe. Rosie was the life of any party. She was influenced by the Jazz Age, the Roaring 20s, and the Jukebox Era of the crooners. Rosie loved dancing and would break out into an array of dances especially the Charleston, the Cha-Cha-Cha, the Shuffle, or the Twist with Joe. Her mantra was “I love the nightlife. I’ve got to boogie.” She also loved the music of Della Reese, Louis Prima, Jerry Vale, Frank Sinatra, and Domenico Modugno. In addition to dancing, Rosie’s hobbies included playing BINGO, doing crossword puzzles & crocheting. She enjoyed watching the Wizard of Oz, Golden Girls, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, & numerous game shows. Rosie was known & proud of her feisty spirit letting everyone know “I’m Feisty!!!” Rose is survived by her three children, Helen (Howard Suss) Serge, Patti Jo (Serge) Reynolds, and Joseph (Brenda) Serge; ten grandchildren, William Kennedy II (Amy), Kellie (Jimmy), Camille (James), Joelle and Harry Reynolds; Rachel, Terri, and Michael (Donielle) Serge; RJ and Natalie Suss; nine great-grandchildren, Chelsea Reynolds, Olivia Stankovich, Jonnajo and Josiah Rioux, MaKayla Sample, Mark Thomas, Jonathan Graves, Leah and Matthew Serge; and one great-great-grandchild, Tristan Ralands. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families, Rene Ligammari, JoAnne DeFazio, Joette Shamrock, Michael Alfearie, Terri Macri, Linda (Arone) Burge, and cousin Michael Lawson. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated commitment of Rose’s granddaughter, Kellie Reynolds for providing home hospice care, as well as everyone that gave a helping hand. All services are private. A Celebration of Rose’s Life will be determined at a later date. Arrangements by the DANIEL R. SMOLAREK FUNERAL HOME. Please leave condolences at www.SmolarekCares.com.

Rose A. Serge (nee Macri)

December 1, 1932 - August 16, 2026