Rose Julian Marvenko – Monongahela

Rose Julian Marvenko, 97, of Monongahela, Forward Township, passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 3, 1924, in Manown, the daughter of Antonio and Stella Scaglione Julian. Rose graduated in 1942 from Monongahela High School, where she participated in track and girls basketball. Determined to receive her high school diploma, Rose walked a five-mile round trip to school throughout grades nine to 12. After high school, Rose worked at Corrin and Penrod, a grocery store located in Monongahela. As the years passed, she would enjoy seeing her classmates at their reunions, which she was involved in organizing. Early on, she recognized her love of music and singing. Taking guitar lessons as a young girl was encouraged by her loving father. Although Rose never took a single voice lesson, her beautiful soprano voice was recognized as a God-given talent. She sang in the choir that she was instrumental in establishing at River Hill Church of Christ, where she has been an active member since she was 16 years old. It was not unusual for those who knew of her amazing voice to ask her to sing at funerals. Rose not only faithfully attended church, but her leadership skills and love for the Lord shone as she led worship, directed VBS, taught Sunday School and planned funeral dinners. During World War II, she was a member of the Monongahela Women’s Defense Corps, where she wrapped bandages for those wounded in the war. When the war ended and her precious John returned, they were married and remained married for 57 years until his passing in 2003. Purchasing property, building a home and raising a family was Rose’s dream. Putting pen to paper, she drew the blueprints for their home-to-be. Her husband, father and a dear friend in construction built the home. After having three daughters, she decided to attend Miss Moyer’s Beauty School in Charleroi to become a hairdresser. For 39 years, she owned and operated a salon from her home where she cut, permed and styled hair for all ages. Frequently, she would even fulfill the request of an elderly patron who requested she do their heavenly hairstyle. She also served on the steering committee for the Meals on Wheels program for Forward and Elizabeth townships and Elizabeth Borough. Rose was a committee woman for 35 years for Forward Township. Staying active and healthy was so important to Rose that she decided to start an exercise group in a friend’s spacious basement and one at church. One of Rose’s hobbies was sewing, and she demonstrated her love and skill by sewing her daughters’ clothing and later making prom gowns. She even made a wedding gown and bridesmaids gowns. When Rose found spare time, she took Italian lessons, worked in her yard and gardened. Blessing the lives of others with her hospitality, encouraging words of wisdom, joyful spirit and a great sense of humor came natural to Rose. Her daughters, friends and family could not have had a better role model for their lives. Rose truly left a legacy for family and friends alike. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia Smith and husband Joel D. of North Huntingdon, Paula Zadroga and husband Tom of Elizabeth Township, and Kathleen Davis and husband William of Forward Township; six grandchildren, Reuben Smith and wife Chrissy, Ryan Smith and wife Natalie, Holly Zadroga Thomas and husband Marshall, Julie Zadroga Jendrysik and husband James, Will Davis and Aaron Davis; six great-grandchildren, Sophia, Gabriel and Stella Thomas, Parker and Piper Jendrysik and Annika Davis; brother, Vincent “Jim” Julian of Forward Township; sister, Mary Skokut of Monongahela; and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, John Marvenko, who passed on June 13, 2003; sister, Phoebe Barkey and husband George; two brothers, John Julian and wife Shirley and Tony Julian and wife Agnes; sister-in-law, Audrey Julian; and brother-in-law, Barney Skokut. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., 427 W. Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at River Hill Church of Christ with the Rev. Paul Eisaman officiating. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery. Family and friends who are planning on attending the funeral service are asked to go directly to the church on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to River Hill Church of Christ, 2105 River Hill Road, Monongahela, PA 15063. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.