Rosalba Provenzano
February 18, 1931 - February 21, 2025
Obituary
Rosalba Provenzano, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday February 21, 2025 in Seattle, WA. She was born on February 18, 1931 to Carmelo and Marianna Gatto in Calabria Italy.
She was preceded in passing by her husband, Settimio. And her siblings: Maria Mysko, Saveria Gatto, Elmira Palermo, Josepine Provenzano, and Guiseppe Gatto.
Rosalba is survived by her four children: Giovanni Provenzano and his wife Carol, Josephine Porco, Gilda Parente and her husband Guiseppe, and Anthony Provenzano and his wife Sai. Also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Ottaviano Porco, Stephen Provenzano, Maria Parente, John Provenzano, Maria Mackay, Joseph Parente, Joseph Provenzano, and Rosalba Thomson. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Stephen Provenzano Jr, Natalia Provenzano, Giuliana Provenzano, Hailey Hines, Primo Mackay and Francesco Mackay. She also leaves many family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
Rosalba grew up in a rural part of Southern Italy where family meant everything, this is a value she held dear for the rest of her life. At an early age she took up the trade of sewing, which was a trade also shared by several of her sisters. When she was 16 she went to the small village town of Vadi to help her grandparents. This is also where she met her husband Settimio, they were married in 1949. They worked hard to build a life together. In 1969 they moved to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with their 3 children. They then had another child there. Rosalba worked as a tailor for her brother-in-laws dry cleaning shop and then for her nephews dry cleaners. She enjoyed sewing and also sewed for friends and family. But in addition to being a working housewife, she also farmed at the family farm, not to mention the required home garden. Rosalba also loved to cook. In typical Italian fashion, she would feed everyone until their pants stretched out at least 2 sizes, then it was time for dessert. She was soo loving she wanted to share what she did not have growing up. The next relocation for several of the family was to Seattle, WA in 1993. Being new to Seattle, the amount of family and friends was initially limited compared to Pittsburgh. But her warmth and pleasant nature had drawn other kind people and neighbors with whom she built friendships with.
As age progressed and Rosalba needed professional care, we were blessed to find a small Family Adult Care Home, Rose Provence, which later became Tesfaye’s Adult Family Home. There were typically an additional 4 residents at this home, but despite language barriers, they seemed to understand each other. At times there would be Italian movies they would watch, or the occasional Elvis movie. The residents often shared coffee, and shared laughter. The caregivers also became part of mom’s extended family. They treated her like their own mom, and Rosalba loved them as well. Family visited daily and were always welcomed. Rosalba would speak of her day and reminisce about old times. In motherly fashion she would also ask if we were hungry.
Rosalba prepared for her next journey at this family home, but she made sure to make it to her 94th birthday. Which was only 3 days prior to passing. God blessed us not only with 94 years of Rosalba on this earth, but also with a gentle passing. She will be missed but always in our hearts.
A Rosary and viewing will be held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15226 21st Ave SW, Burien, WA, on Thursday March 6th. Viewing starts at 5:00 PM with Rosary at 6:00.
Funeral mass will be held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 15226 21st Ave SW, Burien, WA, on Friday March 7th at 10:30 AM.. Following the mass will be burial at Bonney Watson Cemetary at approximately 12:00. Located at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188.
Flowers are accepted. In lieu of donations and flowers, contributions in Rosalba’s memory may be made to a children’s care charity, such as Shriners or St Jude’s or other children care charity of your choice.
I have many fond memories of Rosalba from when I was a little girl and would go to her house with my Brother-in-law John (her son) and my sister Carol for spaghetti dinners when when she lived in Pittsburgh . She was a beautiful and caring lady. Sending condolences to John, Pina,Gina,Tony and their families. Rest in peace Rose.