WINDSOR, VT
Rose M. Palatucci, 98, a resident of Windsor, VT and formerly of Bethpage, NY and a first generation Italian American, passed away Monday morning, September 11, at the Village at Cedar Hill in Windsor.

She was born May 21, 1919 in New York City, New York, the daughter of Josephine and Felice Monastero from Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

One of four children, including predeceased brothers Andrew, Nickolas and Vincent, the family moved to Andes, NY for Rose's childhood years and ultimately moving back to New York City, where she completed her high school education in 1938. Following graduation Rose's first job was with the War Department where she was promoted to a supervisor position. After the war, Rose met and married Louis Palatucci from Brooklyn, NY, who served in active combat duty in North Africa and together bearing two sons, Salvatore in 1948 and Joseph in 1955.

Separated from Louis in 1973, Rose reentered the work place at the Nassau County Medical Center until retiring in 1995 at the age of 76. Rose loved the board game Scrabble and completing a crossword puzzle daily in pen. She was an avid bowler, winning numerous awards and continued in league play until she was 82. She also was a prolific crocheter, having made and gifted hundreds of blankets, scarves, throws, and much more to family and friends.

Living independently in Bethpage, Long Island, and still driving until she was 94, a series of illnesses lead to her moving to the Village at Cedar Hill in Windsor for rehab, where she resided until her passing on the 11th. As a very independent and self reliant woman, Rose was initially hesitant to leave her home in New York, which she always planned to return to. Never the less in a very short period of time, she felt at home at the Village at Cedar Hill thanks to the incredible and compassionate staff and the friendship she developed with Cedar Hill founder Mary Louise Sayles and her daughter and co-owner Patricia Horn, to whom the family is very grateful for all they did for Rose to make her later years comfortable and welcomed.

Rose leaves behind her two sons, Sal Palatucci and his wife, Susan of Herndon, VA and Joe Palatucci and his wife, Donna of Windsor, VT, her four beloved grandchildren; Jessie and Joseph Palatucci and Sam and Michael Palatucci, her beloved sister-in-law, Theresa Monastero, her "adopted" daughter Joanne Sikoryak, and numerous nieces and nephews who she was very proud of.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 18 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor. Rev. Charles R. Danielson, Pastor will be the Celebrant. Committal services will follow in the Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor. A reception for family and friends will follow in Fellowship Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to; The Village at Cedar Hill Activity Fund for Memory Care Unit, Attn. Sue Spadaro at 92 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor VT 05089.

The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements.