Rose Marie Gschwandtner

Rose Marie Gschwandtner, aged 78, of Wilmington, NC, peacefully departed from her earthly life on September 4, 2023, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, surrounded by family and love.

Born on January 6, 1945, in Baltimore, MD, to the late George Jacob Kufer and Emelia Marie Lisy Kufer, Rose's roots ran deep in Baltimore. It was there that she graduated from Eastern High School and later married her high school sweetheart, Ron. Together, they found a second home in Wilmington, NC, where she retired in 1999.

Rose was known for her selfless and loving nature. She had a compassionate heart and was always there for her family and friends. She was an active member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she found solace and strength. It was here that her spirit thrived as she not only attended but also extended her kindness by sewing and creating quilts for the homeless. Rose was more than a member; she was a pillar of the community. She also embraced her adventurous side as a member of several RV clubs, including The Coastal Tarheels, The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), and Escapees.

Rose's passions were as diverse as her heart – sewing, quilting, nurturing young minds, and exploring the vast beauty of the United States alongside her cherished husband. She cherished the weekends spent shopping with her daughter and took great joy in cooking for her family. She enjoyed decorating, preparing for, and celebrating the holidays with loved ones.

Above all else, Rose was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her unwavering presence was a beacon of love for her family, a constant source of comfort and support.

Rose's legacy lives on through her beloved husband of 57 years, Ron R. Gschwandtner, Sr. She was a devoted mother to her loving children, Dawn Marie Downs and her husband, John, and Ron R. Gschwandtner, Jr., and his wife, Tamara. Rose was also a dear sister to Mary Lynn Berry and her husband, William. She adored her grandchildren, Brady Nomick, Alexander Nomick and his wife, Daytona, Lukas Gschwandtner, Colton Gschwandtner, Sophia Gschwandtner, Chloe Gschwandtner, Kyle Violette, and Gabrielle Violette. Rose was further blessed with a great-grandchild, Archer Nomick. She is also survived by several nephews and a niece, as well as her cherished fur babies, Bentley, Sadie, Milo, and Ollie.

In addition to her parents, Rose reunited with her uncle, Fredrick Kufer, in the peaceful afterlife.

A memorial service in honor of Rose's remarkable life will be held on September 16, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 12 N 6th St, Wilmington, NC 28401. A reception will follow the service. Please join us in remembering Rose Marie Gschwandtner and celebrating the beautiful life she lived. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions in memory of Rose be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org. Your support will help continue Rose's spirit of generosity and compassion.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171

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