ROSE MARIE (Medaglia) BIANCHI

Rose Marie Bianchi, who was also known as Mom, Mama Rosie, Grandma, Granny, GR, and "Big Bama," passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Rose had a joyful life filled with love, fun, family, and countless memories. Her family was her top priority and meant everything to her. 

Rose was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Alfred and Mary Medaglia on November 30, 1928; the second oldest of six siblings- Philomena Poslet (Mike), Julia, Alfred (deceased) (Dolly), Joseph (deceased), and Anne Leicher (deceased) (Steve). She graduated from West High School in Cleveland and met the love of her life, Tony, at a birthday party she attended with her sister Phil. She married Tony just after finishing high school in 1948 and enjoyed 36 years of marriage until Tony passed away in 1984. 

Rose spent her entire life in Cleveland, starting to work at the West Side Market at the age of 14 and then Madison Laundry when she was 16. She later worked for Cleveland Trust (Ameritrust and KeyBank) and retired from there after her husband's death. 

Rose's greatest pride and joy was her family. She took her title as "Matriarch" very seriously and loved being a mom to her two children, Frank Bianchi and Tina Paulson (Don), and later to her three granddaughters, Christina Burke (Brian), Mandy Marlo (Jason), and Amy Paulson (Oliver Thomas), and three great-grandchildren, Dante and Luca Marlo and Tessa Rose Burke. 

Rose attended every concert her son Frank ever presented in Cleveland for 47 years and was his greatest supporter and fan, along with being his harshest critic. She rarely missed a concert, and seeing her son’s choruses brought her great pride.

Grandma Rose also poured her heart into her daughter Tina and her family. She attended every one of her granddaughters’ events from elementary school through high school and college graduations. When her granddaughters were little, Rose used to babysit them, take them to the park, pool, and spend countless hours baking with them and having sleepovers. She enjoyed many trips to Walt Disney World with them. Another of her greatest thrills was embracing the role of great grandma to her three great-grandchildren. 

Rose had several hobbies, but her fondest was baking. Everyone in her orbit of family and friends knew what an incredible baker she was and enjoyed her many delicious cookies throughout the years. Baking wasn't just a hobby for Rose; it was a labor of love, a way to express her affection for her family and friends. In addition to her passion for baking, Rose loved preparing big dinners for her family. Rose's passions didn't end there. She was very proud of her home and kept a meticulous house and yard. 

After her husband Tony passed away, Rose got involved with singing in choirs. For over 30 years, she sang in Frank's church choirs at St. Joseph's Church and Holy Martyrs Church. Her meticulous organizational skills led her to serve these groups as a chorus librarian. She was often proud of the fact that throughout the many years in which she volunteered her services, she never lost a piece of music.

For the past couple of years, Rose was challenged with dementia, but that never stopped her or slowed her down. She was still able to enjoy her life and her family and always maintained her positive attitude and sense of humor. Rose was blessed with a very full life filled with countless memories and endless love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Coleman Church, 2027 West 65th. Street, Cleveland, OH on Monday March 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetey. The family will receive friends Sunday 2 - 5 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY RAOD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71)  

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