SOUTHERN SHORES — On July 3, 2019, the heavens welcomed a “one-in-a-million” gem of a woman! Rose was a true friend and second mother to many, far too numerous to count… a generous listener and insightful counselor, a volunteer extraordinaire who opened her heart and her home to many a friend-in-need or wayward soul (in both human and animal form), a sharp-eyed sea-glass-seeking beach-loving sun-goddess, nimble of hand in every custom garment she created and basket she wove, a well-read fan of Jeopardy and The Wheel, flower gardening (especially roses, of course!), and good milk chocolate, whose baked apple pie, roast beef and Yorkshire puddings were the stuff of legends. And oh!… how she could wrangle a do-gooding committee into shape in no time!
Rose is survived by her children, Walter Deacon (Margie), Denise Deacon (John Brock), Rachel Deacon, Robert Deacon, and honorary son Bill Vickery; grandchildren Lexie Brindle (Mel Space), Natalie Phillips (David), Thomas Deacon, Kaitlyn Deacon, Andrew Deacon, and Lou Brock; great-grandchildren Aiden & Brooke Beard and Charlie & Annie Phillips; brother Joseph (Phyllis) Sievers; beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and outlaws of all ages, as well as especially-special friends, Ellen Barbaro and Vince Ferretti.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert “Bob” Deacon, with whom she celebrated 45 years of married life, her mother, Denise Sievers, and father, Joseph Sievers, and dear-friend-sisters-in-law Jane Smith and Polly Moody.
Born in 1930 in Berlin, New Hampshire, Rose graduated as a Registered Nurse from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing, then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Bridgeport. She thoroughly enjoyed her position as pediatric ward Head Nurse during the 1950s, until in 1958 she became loving wife to Bob and then devoted mother to her rag-tag bunch of kids and their numerous friends (who affectionally referred to her as “MY Mom”). When her children reached the fend-for-yourself age, Rose then joined the South Bend Public School System in Indiana, which benefitted from her skills as a school nurse in the 1970s and 80s. During this time, her quest for more knowledge led her to earn her Master of Science in Education degree from Indiana University, as well as becoming a certified National Swimming Official.
After retiring to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in 1990, she enjoyed a less hectic life but could not keep her abundant talents to herself. Her many volunteer activities included the Community Care Clinic of Dare County (founding member), Dare County League of Women Voters (board member), Dare Home Health and Hospice, International Summer Special Olympics Games, Holy Redeemer By the Sea Catholic Parish, Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department and Project Linus. She well-deservedly received the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service for Dare County in 1993.
Rose’s bright eyes and happy, infectious smile (along with her devilish chuckle at a good joke shared with Lou) will be sorely missed. She gave freely of herself to enrich family, friends (who ALL are considered extended-family), and others in her community, and while we now mourn our loss, we also celebrate her glorious and generous life! A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, July 22, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Redeemer By the Sea Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk, NC. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, she would have asked us to “pay-it-forward” in her honor to someone you come across who is in need or less fortunate… or donations in Rose’s name be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences to the family may be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop funeral services was entrusted with arrangements.
