Marjorie Rosa

Marjorie Rosa, 84, of Traverse City, passed away January 28, 2023.

She was born in Tonawanda, New York, April 26, 1938, daughter to Lester and Florine (Lawson) Hopkins.
Marjorie graduated from Union High School in Grand Rapids, class of 1956. While she was in high school, she worked at a theater in Grand Rapids, where she would meet her future husband, Richard "Dick" Rosa. Dick was her "boss" at the theater, but that was short lived. The couple married on October 27, 1956 and had a devoted and loving marriage for 66 years until her passing. Marjorie made Dick promise that she would pass first, so she would never have to spend a moment without him.

About fifty years ago Dick was offered a job in the Traverse City Area where they frequently traveled to while starting their family in Grand Rapids. Without hesitation Marjorie agreed to move the family up north, where they remained ever since. The couple, who did everything together, opened their home and hearts to infants in the foster care system for several years. While this was not always easy, they did it as a team. The couple also own a cabin in the woods in the U.P., which was a quiet retreat where Marjorie loved to spend time.

She was an active member at Grace Episcopal Church, serving on the altar guild. Both her and Dick were proud to sit on the board for Camp Roy-El, a camp tailored for children with special needs. Marjorie deeply enjoyed interacting with the campers and making their experience as great as possible. The couple served as Ambassadors of the Cherry Festival and were integral in the Concerts on the Lawn events at the Pavilions.

Apart from caring for foster babies and raising their own children, Marjorie held jobs at National Bank and Trust in the trust department as well as the Running, Wise, Wilson law office. She worked hard to become a paralegal, which she was very proud of. Around 1995 Marjorie started a position as an executive secretary at Grand Traverse Pavilions. She remained there until retirement. At all of her jobs, she was known as the voice of reason and the person everyone went to for sound advice.

Marjorie is revered for her quiet strength. She was not a vain woman, rather a person with intellect and grace; the type of person the world needs more of. She was filled to the brim with kindness and devotion to her family and to all in her life.

Marjorie is survived by her loving husband, Richard "Dick" Rosa; children Karen Rosa and David (Nicole) Gregory; grandchildren Joseph (Quincy) Janik, J.T. (Joanne) Hogan, Katie (Mikal) MacDonald, Molly (Jestin) Hogan and Hannah, Ella, Andrew, Jack and Reeve Maloche; and great-grandchildren Jack and Jobe MacDonald.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Leslie Rosa; and siblings Elvera, Carl (Kathleen) and Byron (Nellie "Pudge") Hopkins.

A memorial service has been planned for Saturday, February 4, 11:00 am, at Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City. Visitation one hour prior to the service.

The family offers sincere gratitude to the staff at French Manor Terra and Bay Ridge Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Northern Michigan. Their staff are really angels in disguise.

Marjorie and her family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com