Obituary of Rose Ann Kosztyn
Rose Ann Kosztyn of Edison, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 20 at the age of 94. Rose Ann was born Rose Ann Deri in Bonhamtown in 1924 and was a lifelong resident of the Edison area.
Rose Ann, a first-generation Hungarian-American, grew up during the Great Depression. She responded to the challenges of those years by developing a gift for hard work, compassion and, above all else, humor. During WW II Rose Ann contributed to the war effort by working at the Raritan Arsenal in Edison. In 1949 Rose Ann married the love of her life Francis J. (Frank) Kosztyn. They were married for 61 years until Frank passed away in 2010. Together, Rose Ann and Frank built a wonderful life traveling, attending country music and bluegrass festivals, and most important, enjoying family and friends.
In the 1960’s, while raising her two children and taking care of Frank who battled multiple sclerosis, Rose Ann went back to school to obtain an Associate’s Degree from Middlesex County College, which enabled her to become one of the first paraprofessional teacher’s aids in the Edison School District. Rose Ann loved her job and working with children remained one of the great joys of her life. Rose Ann retired in the mid-1980’s, but remained active in various teachers’ associations. Rose Ann was also a life-long volunteer for the Democratic Party and was active in the Rosary Society and many other religious organizations.
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Rose Ann was a kind and gentle person who will always be remembered for her ready laugh and her deep commitment to family, community and friends. As the matriarch of the extended family, Rose Ann never forgot her roots and was instrumental in keeping alive many of the Hungarian traditions of her youth. One of the few who mastered the triple threat of cooking outstanding chicken paprikash, palacsinta and chicken soup, she could also hold her own in any szalonna cookout. “Ro” never forgot an anniversary, holiday or birthday, and her devotion to giving Hallmark cards was legendary. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Rose Ann is survived by her daughter Lin Warren (Jim) and her son Kevin (Patty), a grandson Justin Warren and a step- grandson John Maxwell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and her 100-year-old sister-in-law Betty Bedner. Rose Ann is also survived by her long-time companion and devoted friend Teresa Kotlinska, to whom the family owes an enormous debt of gratitude. Thanks also to Rose Ann’s canine protectors over the years, Amy and Lilly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, 10AM at Guardian Angel’s Church, 37 Plainfield Avenue, Edison. Cremation will be private.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you say a prayer for Rose Ann and always keep her in your heart.
