Erusha, Rose Marie

Rose Marie Erusha, 80, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center following a massive stroke. Funeral Mass by All Saints Catholic Church at Immaculate Conception Church will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The Rev. David O'Connor will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, where a vigil service will begin at 4 p.m. by the Rev. James Blocklinger.

Surviving are her children, Rose Mary Erusha, Steve Erusha and wife Peggy, Pamela E. Johnson and husband Sam, and David and wife Kathy, all of Cedar Rapids; and brother, Jack Cosgrove and wife Dilla, also of Cedar Rapids. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Emily Hilleque and husband Gordon, Jon Illian and wife Kirsten, Stephanie Erusha, Daniel Erusha and wife Amy, Elizabeth Kinneberg and husband Doug, Tim R. Johnson and Ben E. Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Michael, Bryson and Elisebeth.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; and sister, T. Elaine Benson

Rose Marie Erusha was born Aug. 26, 1929, on a farm near Ryan, Iowa, the daughter of Walter D. and Gertrude A. (McEnany) Cosgrove. She was united in marriage to Vernon E. Erusha on July 29, 1947, at Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids. Vern preceded her in death on Sept. 8, 2008. She will be remembered throughout her life as being a full-time mother and professional volunteer. She was active in the Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary, holding the office of president, and also was on the Mercy board of directors. Throughout her time at Mercy she accounted for over 40,000 volunteer hours. She was instrumental in the first Mercy Designer Showcase, the first baby car seat safety program, and was an integral part of the success of the Mercy Gift Shop. She also volunteered on several PTA committees and as president at the Hayes, Wilson and Jefferson schools, while being a den mother for Boy Scouts and a Camp Fire leader. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, where she was active in St. Theresa's Circle. She previously was very active with her husband at St. Ludmila's Church. She was a longtime member of Elmcrest Country Club. She enjoyed every moment she was able to spend with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Mercy Medical Center Foundation or to All Saints Catholic Church Building Fund.

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