Maria Rosa Lehrer

Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is always patient and kind; Love is never envious, it is not boastful or arrogant it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. Love never comes to an end Maria Rosa Lehrer, of Portland, Oregon, formerly of Montgomery, New York, passed away on February 22, 2013 at 94 years of age. She died peacefully in her sleep at home, with her daughter present. The oldest daughter of Cirino and Benedetta Versaci, Rose was born on November 21, 1918 in New York City. She grew up in New York with her brothers Sam and Louie and her sisters Terry and Angie, all of whom predeceased her. Rose married Joseph Lehrer on December 7, 1940. They had a happy life together for over 50 years, celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1990. They had two children: Lillian (Janet) and Roy. Rose enjoyed entertaining and had many family get-togethers at her big house, built by Joe, in Montgomery, NY. Joe passed away on November 23, 1994. Her son Roy died in a car accident in 2001. Rose’s first work was as a seamstress and she then became a hairdresser. After her children were grown and married, with great determination and an undaunted spirit, she returned to school, earning her B.A. in Social Sciences from Mt St Mary College in Newburgh, NY, and her M.A. in Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She taught special education and then 5th grade at the Circleville Elementary School of the Pine Bush School District for 15 years, until her retirement in July, 1984. She was a lover of sewing and crafts and made many beautiful things, which are treasured by her family and friends. She was a member of the Happy Seniors dancing group in Montgomery, NY and was recognized for her volunteer work at nursing homes and hospitals. Rose also volunteered at the Quest Center in Portland, Oregon. She lived in Portland with her daughter for 8 years, until her death. She is survived and greatly loved by all who knew her, including her daughter, Lillian Shulman; her grandsons, Joshua and Lucas Shulman, Benjamin Ponder and Joseph Snyder; her granddaughters-in-law Louise Tolzmann and Elizabeth Ponder; her great-grandchildren Elijah, Ezra, Gabriel, Michael, Felipe, and Christian; her sister-in-law Barbara Versaci; and her many nieces and nephews, including Benni and Charlie, Elaine, Betty and Charlie, Louis, Peter, Charlie and Michael, Anna, Marie and Billy, Philip and Mark, and their wives, husbands and children, as well as Dominick and Willie, who pre-deceased her. A viewing was held at Wilhelm Memorial Funeral Home on February 24, followed by cremation. The funeral service will be at St Agatha’s Catholic Church in SE Portland on March 12, 2013. Memorial contributions may be made to the Milwaukie Center Meals on Wheels Program, St Agatha’s Church, The Quest Center, or Subud Portland. The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the val­ley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my Cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall fol­low me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Service Information