Rose Theresa Molloy Caldwell departed this life on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, surrounded by her husband of 71 years, Jack Caldwell, and six of their seven surviving children.

Her family was her heart and soul. Rosie made more breakfasts than the Waffle House. She was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in November of 1918 and lived there till she met the love of her life, Jack, who was brought to her front door compliments of World War II. She arrived in the States as a war bride in 1945 after an arduous trip by ship, train and car from London to Port Townsend.

The Caldwells lived in Bogalusa from 1960 to 1971, and Jack was the superintendent of the multi-wall bag plant for Crown Zellerbach during that time. Their children attended and graduated from Bogalusa schools, and Rosie was involved in many charities and civic organizations.

A fervent Irish Catholic, a champion for the underdog (Native Americans) in particular, she was always outspoken and strong in her beliefs and constantly reminded her children to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

She taught all of her children the value of a dollar and a clean house. She never turned away a guest for dinner, which occurred more times than not. She was a magician with a pound of ground beef and creative with homemade Halloween costumes.

On Friday afternoon, in the tradition of the Native Americans, Rosie heard the owl call her name.

A funeral Mass was held on Friday, Oct. 9, at noon, preceded by rosary at 11:30 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, in Port Townsend, Wash. An open mic memorial in the church social hall followed the Mass.