Rose Regina Holman was born to Otto and Alice Low in Chicago on September 18, 1939.  Her parents were proud immigrants from Germany who met at a Lawrence Welk dance at World’s Fair in Chicago.  Rose was the oldest child, followed by Janet and George.  When the kids were young, they moved to Buhl, Idaho.  Rose loved helping out on the farm by hoeing beets and driving the tractors. She thrived at Gooding High School as evidenced by the many times she was referred to as “swell” in the notes her friends wrote in her yearbook.

Rose’s life was a vibrant tapestry of laughter, dedication, pursuits, and love, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know and love her.  Rose and Gary Holman were married in Gooding, Idaho on April 3, 1960.  They had two daughters, Gina and Roxanne.  The family moved from Idaho to Pittsburgh, PA in 1971 to further their education and careers.   In many ways, Rose thrived in Pittsburgh.  She earned her Master’s degree, excelled in her career, had many wonderful friends, enjoyed cheering for the Steelers with season tickets, and actively helped raise her two girls.  She helped establish the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Rose touched the lives of many deaf children; in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Washington; as an educator who specialized in teaching speech.  Her talent and creativity were evident to so many colleagues, families, and children.  Rose was extraordinary in her profession and was always happy to share her knowledge and techniques with others.   There are likely hundreds of former students who still cheer for the Steelers as a result of Rose’s speech lessons about all things Steelers.

Rose and Gary had a wonderful journey through life together during their 64-year marriage. Rose loved her roles of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Golfing, gardening, shopping, cheering on her favorite teams, and pampering her grandchildren occupied much of her free time.  Until her last days Rose had a wonderful sense of humor.  She will be fondly remembered by many for her cute facial expressions, clever sayings, and the twinkle in her eyes.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Otto Low and Alice (Schray) Low, and her brother, George (Marilyn) Low.  She is survived by sister, Janet (Jim) Luttmann; her husband, Gary Holman; daughters, Gina (John) Gladstone and Roxanne (Joe) Stapleton; grandchildren, Lindsey (Jared) Fowler, Andrew Ellibee, Gabe Stapleton, and Austin Stapleton; great grandchildren, Vaughn Fowler and Harrison Fowler; many cherished nieces and nephews; dear friends; and wonderful caregivers at Caritas House in Mary’s Woods.

Her absence leaves a void in the lives of her family, friends, and caregivers but her positive impact and the memories she created will forever be cherished. Her spirit, love, strength, and laughter will continue to inspire those who knew her, ensuring that her legacy of kindness, generosity, and love live on.

A funeral Mass will take place at the Chapel of the Holy Names at Mary’s Woods, Lake Oswego, on June 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

A family burial service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding, Idaho on June 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Rose’s name.