Rose Margaret Gowdey

Rose M. Gowdey, 94, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 13 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Cremation will follow services and a memorial graveside service will be held at a later date. Rose was born October 3, 1920 in Des Moines to Vincenzo (Jim) and Raffaela (Altomari) Bisignano. She graduated from St. Josephs Academy in Des Moines. Rose married Lester W. Gowdey on June 16, 1946. They made their home in Des Moines where they raised their four children. Rose worked at Des Moines Sanitary Supply and Katz Drug Store early in her adult life, but dedicated most of her time to raising her family. She loved to socialize, dance, play cards and was most happy when she could be of service to others through helping with the ill and aging. Rose is survived by her four children: Bob (Gary York) of Hutto, TX; Rose Anne (Rosi) (Janet Kahn) of Burlington, VT; Denise of Red Oak, IA; and Marla of Urbandale, IA. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Allen (Amie) Gowdey; Matthew (Lisa), Clayton, and Jerrod McCusker; and EvaJayne Woods; one cutest in the world great grandson, Chase Gowdey; two sisters, Mary Stephens and Anne Bisignano; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brothers Charles and Frank (Buzz) Bisignano. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 12 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory where a prayer service and time of sharing will be held at 4:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or Mercy Hospice.