Rose Gandolph

  Madison -- Rose Gandolph, age 98, was taken to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 with her loving family by her side.   She was born on December 2, 19 11 in Madison, the daughter of Joseph and Giacoma (Greco) Gandolfo.   Rose worked for many years for the State of Wisconsin in the Hygiene Lab as a bacteriologist assistant until her retirement.   She was a devoted member of the Italian Methodist Church , where she played the piano for many services until they closed.   Then she became a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church .   In her spare time she enjoyed knitting pot holders for family, friends and anyone special in her life. She also enjoyed going on daily walks and traveling to Arizona to visit her sister and brother-in-law.   Most of all she was well known for her homemade pizza.   Rose had many trying times in her life that she had overcome with dignity and faith.   She was the rock of our family and touched so many hearts.   Rose will dearly be missed by all who knew her.   She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Saffioti; brother, Nick (Dorothy) Gandolph, special niece and care provider, Jacqueline Disch and many other nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.   Rose was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Joe, Leonard and Phil and two sisters, Victoria and Jeannine.   Funeral services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd. , on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Keith Schroerlucke officiating.   A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.   Graveside services will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery .   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Rose to the First United Methodist Church , 203 Wisconsin Avenue , Madison , WI 53703 and to HospiceCare Inc, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway , Madison , WI 53711 .   The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Oak Park Place and the HospiceCare facility for all their care and compassion given to Rose and our family.