In Memoriam: Native Rumsonite Rose Lukeman, 95

Native Rumsonite Rose Marie Lukeman passed away on the morning of May 12. She was 95.

Rose was born to native Southern Italians Louis and Lucia (Sorrentino) Lazaro on March 30, 1926, in Rumson.

Rose Marie Lukeman
Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home

Known as a loving wife and mother, Rose had a wide range of interests that only grew over time. She wrote a novel, many short stories and poems. She also had a love for wildlife, travel, art, films, and both fiction and non-fiction. A warm and generous person, she made friends easily throughout her life, and is remembered by all for her vivacity and her positive, caring personality. 

Loved ones of Rose Marie Lukeman in her obituary

Going to work after high school for the Department of Defense, Rose earned the respect of her peers as a valued and well respected civilian employee until her retirement.

In 1951, she married William T. Lukeman, whom she met while working at Fort Monmouth. Rose and Bill had two sons, William Timothy and Christopher James and one daughter, Miranda. After retiring, she worked 20 more years for the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ in Red Bank.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters Bobbie Vail & Mary Cataldi and her beloved husband, William Thomas Lukeman. 

She is survived by: her children, William Timothy (wife Susan), Christopher James (wife Lori), and Miranda; her grandchildren, Christopher, Jessica, Danielle; and nephews and nieces, Michael Cataldi (wife Maryann) and Steven Cataldi (wife Michele), Jim Vail (wife Yolande) and Patricia Vail-Blackett, great-nieces Julia and Michelle Cataldi, and great-nephew Avery Vail. Rose also leaves many close and dear friends, most especially her second cousin Phyllis Pardi.

There will be no funeral services, but a memorial service is planned for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations to Maryknoll Society http://www.maryknollsociety.org and Best Friends Animal Society http://www.bestfriends.org are requested.

— Edited obituary provided by loved ones to John E. Day Funeral Home