Mrs. Rosalie Diane Markos

Rosalie “Rosie” Diane Markos, of Winter Park, FL, died Friday April 25 at age 67. She was born in Youngstown, OH in 1946 and lived in Erie, PA before moving to Orlando in 1957. Rosalie graduated from Boone High School in 1965 and received her degree in Sociology from the University of South Florida in 1969. Her family was small, but strong, and she was considered the glue the held things together. An only child, she adored her parents—Loius Campanelli, 96 and Mary Campanelli, 91 both of Winter Park. She dedicated her last years serving as their full-time caregiver, providing them with unconditional love and extraordinary care until her last day. In 1973, She married her soul mate and best friend, Paul Markos, 67, and spent nearly 41 years honoring him and their union through love, laughter and devotion. With Paul, she had one daughter, Rhonda Shah, 38, of Maitland who considered her mother a mentor and role model. In 2011, Rosie gained a son, Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Shah, 39, when he wed her daughter. One of her greatest joys was dog-sitting Rhonda and Larry’s dog, Blaze, who she fondly referred to as her grand-dog. Rosalie dedicated her entire life to serving others; in her early career as a social worker, she worked tirelessly to protect the young, the elderly and those who did not have a voice. After leaving social work, she spent several years working at Life Care Center assisting the elderly, and then completed her career in the public school system at Eastbrook Elementary where she was adored by both staff and students. A life-long learner, she read at least one book a week, found comfort in writing, and enjoyed to travel with her daughter. She found joy in knitting and entertaining, and one of her greatest attributes was her ability to communicate and make others feel comfortable. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and have their life story in minutes. She was passionate and steadfast about helping the underserved and lived a life void of selfishness. Rosalie was an active member of Saint Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park, and found herself closest to God when she volunteered. She will be remembered by family and friends for her kind spirit, grace and gratitude. Although she left this world too soon, she had no regrets or fear, as she knew God had a place waiting for her. A service will be held at 4:00pm at Saint Margaret Mary Church on Wednesday, April 30, followed by a celebration of her life in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Saint Margaret Mary’s Haiti fund to help the poor.

Mrs. Rosalie Diane Markos

October 10, 1946 - April 25, 2014