Rose Marie Barbian Gently passed away on September 30th, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones Rose was the cherished, beautiful wife of Gerald, they celebrated 58 years of marriage together. A nurturing mother to seven children: Gerald (Kathryn) Barbian, Russell Barbian, Cynthia (Anthony) Kramer, Crystal (Joseph) Trinastic, Jennifer (Adam) Pluer, Angela Friedman, and Daniel (Mandy) Lichtig-Barbian. A loving grandmother to nine grandchildren: Ryan, Adam, Nathan, Ellen Rose, Alexander, Brandon, Lydia, Joshua, and Ava. Proud great-grandmother to Bodhi. Sister to Joanne (Federico) Ciancimino, Jeanette (Ken) Plasz, Linda (Gary) Schnell, Jane Berelc, Beverly (Al) Anderson, Susan Berelc, Dorothy (Dan) Zunker, Tom (Chris) Berelc, Don (Nancy) Berelc, and John Berelc. Preceded by her father and mother John Michael and Dorothy Clare (Schrank) Berelc, her sister Elaine (Terry) Thoms, and brother Ron Berelc. Further survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. Growing up in Milwaukee, WI she was a doting daughter to her parents, and a loving sister to her 12 siblings. She was the homecoming queen of Custer High School during her senior year of high school. Just months later, she met the love of her life, Gerald. After their engagement, they married on July 1st, 1961 and began a family thereafter. Jerry has the most treasured memories of Rose than any of us, and they belong to him alone. No one knew nor loved her in such a way as he does. The seven children they created are a testament to their love and commitment to one another. Their early life together began in Bayview and later in life they moved to Menomonee Falls. In retirement, Rose and Jerry spent many wonderful years traveling the country from sea to shining sea in their motorhome until finally settling in Mequon. Over the course of her life, Rose opened her home and hearth to countless neighborhood children, friends and family. She welcomed many people who came into her family's life as kids, teenagers and young adults - many of whom became beloved wives and husbands to her own children. Each are integral family members, and of course provided her with the beautiful grandchildren that forever changed her life and were a great sense of pride to her. She was a trusted caretaker and friend to many. If someone was in need, she comforted them. She was strong, protective, an advocate, and the voice of reason. During times of struggle or tragedy, she was a selfless pillar of strength that never waned. And during times of triumph, she shared in our joy. Rose had a soft, gentle touch, unique to only her. She was graceful and had a lightness in her step when she walked. She was a true, natural beauty, with a smile that would light up the room. She had a fondness for all things small, delicate, and fragile – just like her. She had her own voice, too. She was an independent thinker and with a strong will. She was a patriot. She loved politics, and current affairs. She cared deeply about the country and planet her family will inherit. She was a gifted and talented woman, with a passion for knowledge. She fostered an environment for those she loved to find their own voices, too. And she instilled in us the virtues of family, integrity, respect, love, and generosity. She loved music, spontaneous dance, and arboreous laughter. She had a wonderful and keen sense of humor. She impressed upon her family, the sanctity of dark chocolate. She carried a deep passion for self-expression which she integrated into her own life and in turn, each of ours. Her imaginative and creative nature was not lost on those that knew her well. She loved to be surrounded by beauty and often shared photos of the beautiful birds that would visit outside her kitchen window. Rose treasured her Christmas tree. Over the years, she exchanged ornaments with family and friends that left her with a magnificent collection of which to decorate her tree. Every one held a special memory and significance to her. Each year, she wrapped every branch with lights and the ornaments handed down through the generations with such delicacy, which when finally lit, it glowed and left you stunned by its beauty. She especially loved Christmas time, and everything that the season embodies. It was a time to gather with her husband, the love of a lifetime, along with her entire family and celebrate the gift of life amongst us. For Rose, we her family, are her legacy. If you were lucky enough to know her, you understand the great loss to us all, and the many gifts bestowed unto us by her. Although she left us far too soon, know that she is with you. When the autumn leaves gather at your feet or you see the luster of the harvest moonlight, she is with you. When you see a glint on fresh snow, the flutter of a red cardinal's wing, or feel warmth in your heart on a cold winter day - know that she is there, too. When you feel the promise of spring, hear the birdsong, and the feel the warm wind - she is alongside you. When you smell fresh roses, enjoy the glow of summertime, or are graced by the presence of a butterflies - she is beside you. When you see a brightness in the stars at night, or sky seems a little bluer - know that she is with you. It was important to Rose that she be remembered by the positive things she brought to this life, the memories made, the beautiful world we built together, and all of the love and laughter shared with each of you. We will follow the path you've laid for us - celebrating our lives together, as family. This world is a better place because you were in it and we were able to share it with you. You are irreplaceable to us all, and absolutely, undeniably, "Unforgettable." You are now home, in your happy place. We find great comfort knowing that you are at peace and safe amongst the angels. In lieu of flowers, it is Rose's wish that a contribution be made to support her daughter Crystal's journey to recovery from AVM surgery https://www.gofundme.com/f/1rco9zhzxc You can also read more about AVM and participate in Crystal's journey at CaringBridge.com https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/crystaltrinastic/journal/view/id