Olive “Ollie” Rose, 87, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 surrounded by her sons. She was a devoted mother, sister, auntie, grandmother and a fierce friend.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joao Baptista Cruz and Justa (Pina) Cruz, she lived in New Bedford all of her life. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Ollie was well known throughout the community and like her mother before her, always welcomed all the friends of her children as her own. She was formerly employed as an assistant teacher, housekeeper for the OLOA rectory, and as an administrative assistant for Catholic Charities. Ollie trained as a receptionist after graduating from New Bedford Vocational High School.
Ollie loved to dance and dress with vibrant colors. She treasured her many grandchildren. She was known to send birthday cards that mysteriously arrived exactly on that day and told anyone near and dear to her “I love you with all my heart” - and meant it every time. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children, Glenn Fortes, Shawn Fortes, Kristian Rose, and Tyson Rose, her husband Manuel Rose III, her daughters-in-law Cheryl Fortes and Misty Rose, 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
She was predeceased by her grandsons, Kristian Rose, Jr. and Jordan Fortes, and her siblings, Margie Gomes, Edward B. Cruz, Antone B. Cruz, John B. Cruz, and Mary “Bea” Fortes.
Her Funeral will be held on Tuesday August 16th at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday, August 15th from 4-7 PM. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.