Rose Marie Grant of Navarre, FL earned her heavenly wings on August 2, 2020 at her home at Navarre Gardens Assisted Living Facility, surrounded by family. Rose grew up in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of Angelo and Dorothy Aiello. She worked at the Dunlap Tire Company, making rubber boats and blimps for our World War II troops. It was there she met a young, handsome Army Air Corps (Air Force) Lieutenant named Al Grant. They fell in love and married in Tulare, California on August 7, 1943.
Their military life had them crisscross the United States in stops in Wisconsin, California, Florida, and Okinawa. They raised three wonderful children who they loved endlessly. When Al and Rose retired, after 32+ years in the Air Force, they settled in Fort Walton Beach.
Rose was the ultimate homemaker and mother to Ethan Jr., Patty, and Robert. She was a cradle-Catholic and she and Al raised their children at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Walton. There, she was active in the Ladies Sodality, Altar Society, and an Auxiliary Member of the Legion of Mary.
Rose was predeceased by her husband Al and son Ethan, Jr., along with her two sisters and two brothers. She leaves behind daughter Patty Greenwood (Mark) of Ypsilanti, MI and son Robert (Kiersten) of Navarre, FL. Her jewels of her life also include grandchildren Betsy Krause, Rick Stephenson, Araxie Grant, Ethan Grant III, Angie Goddard, Rosemary Goddard, Ericka Post, Cassandra, Jessie, Joey, and Faith Greenwood, Brandy Bass, Stephanie Strenkoski, Paige Hausman, George Herring, Anne-Marie Grant, Alyssa Grant, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Despite her health struggles over the years, she always wanted to know, “How are you?” She really meant it! She genuinely cared for everyone she met…
The Grant family would like to thank her doctors over the years: Dr Nagrani, Nurse Practioner Sabrina Evans, Dr. Poppell, and Dr. DeCocker. The Grant family would also like to thank Regency Hospice for their timely care.
Her extended family include the wonderful staff at Navarre Gardens—including Directors Kelly Patton and Bonnie Hunter! They went the extra mile ensuring her comfort since day one. Special thanks go out to Fr. John Kelly of St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church of Navarre, for his pastoral care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Girl Scout Gateway Council, 1000 Shearer Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 and the YMCA Blue Ridge Fund, 8321 Onich Drive, Navarre, FL 32566. Both are in honor of Rose Grant.
A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined at St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church with Fr. Kelly presiding.
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