Rosalie Gage lived 88 years with plenty of love, laughter, good food, strong opinions, and whenever the opportunity presented itself marathon shopping.

Born and raised in New York, Rosalie was Italian through and through: direct, funny, opinionated, and someone who truly appreciated good food. Her linguine with clam sauce was a family favorite and a dish that will always bring memories of Rosalie to the table. She loved a great meal, but she was also committed to eating well and made healthy, organic foods an important part of her life.

For almost 50 years, Rosalie shared her life with her husband, Rick, the love of her life and her true soulmate. Theirs was a love that simply seemed meant to be, and together they built a life filled with family, laughter, and countless memories. In the later years of Rosalie’s life, that love was perhaps most evident in the extraordinary care and devotion Rick gave her. He was by her side through it all, caring for her with tenderness, patience, and a love that never wavered.

Rosalie was the mother of four daughters: Lisa, Debbie Cacciatore (Mario), Lynne Byron (John), and Denise Ericson (Tony). Lisa, Lynne’s twin sister, passed away shortly after birth. Though their time together was far too brief, Lisa remained forever in Rosalie’s heart, and there is comfort in knowing they are together again.

Her family grew to include seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who knew and loved her as MeMa. Rosalie took great joy in welcoming each new generation. In fact, nearly every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came home from the hospital in an outfit lovingly and carefully chosen for them by their MeMa.

A gift wasn’t something Rosalie simply grabbed off a shelf. She could spend countless hours searching for exactly the right thing, especially for a new baby. Somewhere out there was the just the right blanket, just the sweetest stuffed bunny, the perfect outfit—and she was going to find it.

Rosalie simply loved the hunt. TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, any mall, or an antique shop could happily occupy hours of her day. She didn’t necessarily need to buy anything. There was something irresistible about looking, searching, and wondering what treasure might be waiting around the next corner. Her love of antiques made the hunt even better—something beautiful with a little history behind it was always worth a closer look.

Rosalie knew what she liked, and she wasn’t shy about saying so. Anyone who ever went to a restaurant with her knew there was a very good chance that the first table offered would not be the table where everyone actually ended up sitting. There was always another table that was a little better—and Rosalie was absolutely going to ask for it.

Rosalie had a special love for Italy and was fortunate to visit several times in her life. It was a place she treasured, with its wonderful food, beauty, and connection to the Italian heritage that was always an important part of who she was.

Rosalie was direct and strong-minded, funny, particular, and loving. You never had to wonder what she was thinking—she would tell you, sometimes when you asked and sometimes when you didn’t. Her 88 years leave behind plenty of stories to share, memories to cherish, and moments that will still make us smile for years to come.

We know Rosalie’s next table will be a heavenly one, surrounded by those she has loved and missed.

But it probably won’t be at the first table they offer her.