Obituary of Rosa F. Gomes

ROSA GOMES FUNERAL IS RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022.  PLEASE SEE BELOW.

Rosa Gomes   06/30/1924 – 01/22/2022

Rosa Gomes, 97, of Millstone Township, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.  She was born on June 30, 1924, in New Bedford, MA to Joao and Maria Fernandes. 

Rosa is survived by her daughters, Maria Conde and Mary Alice Costello and son-in-law Dan Costello; her two grandchildren, Anthony Conde and Jennifer Conde and great-grandson Nicholas Siwiak.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank Gomes.

Due to the Great Depression, Rosa and her family left the United States when she was nine and returned to Portugal.  She was married to Frank in 1947.  In 1953 she returned to the United States alone, by ship and stayed with family in Fall River, MA.  She worked hard to save money to send for her husband, Frank and her first daughter, Maria.

Rosa and her family then lived in Newark, NJ, for a short time until buying their first home in 1957 in Kearny, NJ.  Rosa worked as a seamstress at Cooper Sportswear in Newark, NJ.

In 1967, Frank, Rosa and family purchased their dream home in East Brunswick, NJ.  Upon Frank’s death in 1988, she lived there alone in East Brunswick until 2015.  Rosa enjoyed gardening, bird watching, cooking family meals and spending quality time with her family and friends.  She was heavily involved with the Portuguese Heritage Foundation.

In 2012, Rosa became involved in Goldwing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) with her daughter Mary Alice and son-in-law Dan and traveled across the United States to rallies and events visiting more than 10 states.  She received the Oldest Co-Rider awards in Huntsville, AL, Pennsylvania, and Florida.  She loved her GWRRA family and was affectionately known to everyone as Mama or Mama Rosa.  In 2019 she was named New Jersey District Ambassador.

In 2015, Rosa moved to Millstone Township and resided there with her daughter, Mary Alice, son-in-law Dan and Service Dog, Molly.  In 2018, Bella joined the family as her service dog and best friend, who watched over her daily.

Rosa was known for her affectionate smile and willingness to live life to the fullest.  Her family was very important to her.  She adored her grandchildren, Anthony and Jennifer, and her great-grandson, Nicholas.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM Funeral Mass on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 91 Stillhouse Road, Millstone, NJ 08510, 2021.  Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Jamesburg. Rosa will forever be missed by her family and her legacy will live on through the many stories and memories of her.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com