Rose Mary Novelli

“Chi ben vive ben muore”, “Who lives well, passes well”. Rose Mary Novelli’s was a life well lived. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 23 September 1943, her mother, Iolanda, and father, Frank, were her guiding lights. She carried them and their wisdom long after their passing. Lessons in faith, family, and the Italian way of life sustained her through life’s trials and tribulations. They also were a source of pride that she never hesitated in sharing. She was a teacher of life: her students were anyone with an ear to listen.

This propensity also served as the source of her pursuit and expositor of family lore. Rose Mary was a student and guardian of the family’s history, ensuring all knew their roots. Coming from a large Italian family, this was no easy task. She understood the importance of family history and never forgetting those who came before you. She had a gift for never letting anyone forget that they belonged and were valued. If you were her friend, you were her family and few things were more important to her than spending time with you. Any celebration was a reason for her to create a new outfit, with glasses and accessories to match. No matter where it was, she could always be counted on to be there.

When she was not reciting family history, she danced with a talented group of friends. Dancing brought her great joy in life. She found friends and relationships that have endured even beyond her passing. Whether it was dancing partners or performing solo, her love of dance shown through. Ever the consummate performer, even a fall off of the stage mid-performance did not dissuade her from urging her fellow performers on. In her mind and in her words, “keep dancing, the show must go on” were her mantra.

Professionally, she graduated with a degree in microbiology from the University of Cincinnati and worked in various laboratory and public service positions. But it wasn’t until she was hired by Luxottica that Rose Mary found her calling. Her job allowed her to feed three of her greatest passions, friendships, Italian culture and style. The friendships became family. Her daily interaction with and travel to Italy allowed her to connect and grow her Italian roots. And working for an eyewear company allowed her to feed her passion for style.

Ultimately and at its core, hers was a life of faith. She once reflected in her writings, “I always turned to God for help and support, and I know that I could not have gone through the different difficulties without His blessing and His help.” And she faced many. But her hope was always in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was founded and formed at an early age. She fondly recalled her father reading her stories from the Bible when she was sick or just wanted to hear a good story. They were always “at his fingertips”. Her mother taught her to listen for God’s voice by “say(ing) your prayers and do the best you can and He will answer you and you will know in your heart.” She received her strength through prayer. Rose Mary knew that Jesus was always there, and because He was with her, all would be well. She was never alone.

Rose Mary leaves behind a legacy of family, friends, and faith. Heaven is a bit more colorful with her in it. She is loved and she is missed.