Rose Zagotta - 94

Homewood, Illinois

Rose Zagotta, 94, (nee DiSanto; Feb. 9, 1930 – Oct. 27, 2024), cherished matriarch and heart of her large family, died peacefully at home, just ten weeks after the death of her beloved husband, Nick. The two had been married for 72 years. In life and, ultimately, in death, Nick and Rose did everything together. They operated as a single unit and were affectionately referred to as “G&G” by their grandchildren. Rose had been active and lively, still shopping, cooking and driving (yikes!) until a month ago.

Dear mother of Marybeth (Mike) Beno, Maryelen Zagotta (Brian Quirke), and Nick (Kathy) Zagotta, Rose was the rock, taskmaster, cheerleader, and conscience of her large family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren lived in close enough proximity to enjoy her hospitality, and endless supplies of popcorn, apple juice, treats, and love every time they stopped by. 

Rose will be greatly missed by her ten grandchildren and their spouses: Nicholas (Jennifer) Quirke, Justin (Gretchen) Quirke, Emily Quirke (Joseph Boyko), Ashley Nicholas (Claire Sorenson), Nicko (Jamie) Zagotta, Peter (Patrice) Zagotta, Mary Kate Zagotta (Gina Goldman), Michael Beno (Kara Cook), Joanie (Craig) Rosen, and Anthony (Samantha) Beno. Rose’s 18 great-grandchildren, ages 18 months to 18 years, already miss their thoughtful “Big Grandma” who acknowledged and rewarded their every birthday, sacrament, performance, sporting event, accomplishment, and emergency room visit.

She is survived by her beloved siblings, Grace Pecora and Tony (Laurie) DiSanto, brother-in-law, William Zagotta, dear friend and cousin Grace Adduci, and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Rose remained close to her siblings; she and her sisters, Josephine and Grace, spent every Wednesday together, shopping and lunching, for more than 70 years. Rose was known for her strong Catholic faith, constant dedication to family, and unwavering commitment to cleanliness.

Besides her family, Rose’s greatest enjoyment was her 35-year career as the gracious First Lady of Words&Pictures, where she worked daily with her daughter, Ellie, and grandchildren until she was 87. Rose’s special talent was making employees, clients and vendors feel like visiting dignitaries: welcome and important. She provided beautifully arranged snacks—Fannie May, baked goods and nuts—always presented with doilies and flowers, followed by a quick clean-up with Windex. Rose was a friend, mentor and role model for her young colleagues, with whom she shared a mutual admiration society.

Rose’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the loving, extraordinary caregivers who were at her side for her last 10 days. Rose went into hospice care two days after she hosted a “thank you dinner” for these same caregivers who tended to Nick for 18 months. That celebration was the last item on Rose’s to-do list, and when it was over, she finally sat down to rest.

Memorial visitation for Rose will be on Monday, November 4th from 10:00 am until time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:30 am at St. Veronica Parish (formerly Infant Jesus of Prague) at 1131 Douglas Avenue, Flossmoor, IL 60422. Lunch to follow immediately. Rose will be laid to rest privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. Info Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, Chicago Heights, IL. 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.

In lieu of flowers, Rose’s family requests donations to Oasis Hospice at oasisthefoundation.org or to Glenwood Academy at glenwoodacademy.org. Please add the name Rose Zagotta to the comments section.