In Memory of

Rose

Ellen

SCHULZ

Obituary for Rose Ellen SCHULZ

Rose E. Schulz, loving mother, devoted wife, and wonderful person, passed away at Holly Creek Assisted Living in Centennial, Colorado, early in the morning on January 9, 2019, one month shy of her 87th birthday, after a long and vibrant life. Rose was born February 19, 1932, in Waterbury, Connecticut, where she grew up with her mom and dad and five older brothers. She attended St. Francis School of Nursing, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from St. Joseph College and her Masters of Administration degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Northern Colorado.

Rose was a woman ahead of her time. She attended college, became a registered nurse and joined the United States Air Force, through which she met her husband. It was her roles as military wife and mother of two sons which were her passions and proved to be her life’s work, a true labor of love. Any successes of her sons, Joe and Andy, were largely due to the exceptional example she and her husband set and their love and devotion to their boys. Rose was an all-time mom and a mom for all times, firm but always encouraging, providing wise counsel and leading with love. She likely set a Colorado Springs record for the most peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches made by one mother for her boys as they progressed K through 12 in Colorado Springs-area public schools during the 1970’s and 80’s.

Shortly before her husband retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel to stay at home with their sons, Rose went back to work full-time, launching a productive, two decades-long second career, primarily in the insurance industry working at USAA. Not surprisingly, her professional endeavors defined the woman Rose was—empathetic, service-oriented, a loving and selfless caregiver.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she faithfully attended mass on a weekly basis for almost 40 years.
Rose will be remembered for her passion, strength, selflessness and humor. She lived for her family, friends and faith and treasured her five darling grandchildren.

Rose is survived her son, Andy Schulz, and his wife, Chrisy, and their sons, Liam and Sam, of Parker, Colorado; by her daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Sutherland), and her children, Hayley, Olivia and Jack, of Toano, Virginia; and by her brother, George, and his wife, Judy, of Waterbury, Connecticut. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Schulz, originally from LaGrange, Indiana, and her eldest son, Joe Schulz. Rose was also very fond of her large extended family in the greater Waterbury, Connecticut, area, particularly the families of her older brothers—Francis, John, Harold (“Stretch”), Donald, and George—whom she adored.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs at 11am on Saturday, January 12. Burial (with military honors) will take place at a date in the near future at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange, Indiana, where her husband is laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, Rose requested friends and loved ones instead consider making a donation in her name to the donor’s preferred charity.