Rose Mazzara

Rose Marie Mazzara - 1/28/1929 to 01/12/2019

Our beautiful mother; Rose Marie Mazzara (Pullara), age 89, of Madison, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at McFarland Villa Assisted Living.

Rose was born on January 28, 1929 to Gaspare "Casper" and Maria Pullara (Palmeri) and raised in the Greenbush area of Madison. Rose had many happy, nostalgic memories and stories of her younger years that she loved to share with her family, friends, and neighbors. Rose was an unusual beauty in the Bush, with her light-colored hair and hazel eyes. She graduated from Central High School. She then worked at Rennebohm's for a short time until she started at Wisconsin Telephone, where she worked until she married at the age of twenty-three. She married the love of her life, Carmelo "Mel" Mazzara on October 4, 1952 in Madison, Wisconsin in St. Joseph's church. Together, Mel and Rose raised their five children on the south side of Madison near Lake Wingra. At the age of fifty-five, Rose decided to go back to work as an administrative assistant. She was quickly hired at Findorff of Madison, and worked there happily for seven years. She is still fondly remembered by those who knew her there.

Rose loved to entertain family and friends. Her expertise was in making sure everyone was graciously welcomed and that they had no chance of going home hungry or empty handed. She was well known for making some of the most memorable and delicious dishes that one could imagine. She loved to spend time shopping and exploring new places with her family, relatives and friends. Some of the highlights of her adventures were to Italy, California, Colorado and New York.

Rose is survived by four of her children, Tony (Kitty), Cathy, Jeannie, and Mary Ann (Edward); her adoring grandchildren, Adam, Rose, David, Jon, Heidi, Krista, Danny, Deana, Kayla, Lauren, Paul, and their spouses or significant others; and her great-grandchildren, Jayd and Desmond. They were all her pride and joy. She is also survived by her loving nieces; nephews; cousin, Sister Rose Marie; and many dear friends.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary; brothers, Tony and Vito; husband, Carmelo; son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen; her best friend/cousin, Catherine; and many other loving relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:30 until the start of the service at church.

The family would like to thank the staff at McFarland Villa for their love and care for our mom...she was happy there because of them. Also, thank you to the staff at ADRC and Heartland Hospice who quickly and professionally helped the family through this difficult time.

Memorials may be made out to the family towards funeral expenses.

"We lost a legend tonight. A beautiful, strong, caring, fireball of a woman. At the end of the day she would want a celebration of who she was and what she wanted all of us to be." (grandson, Adam Mazzara)


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd, Madison
608-238-3434