Optimistic to the end, looking forward to the joy in each day, ROSE SZOKE, died at age 95 on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Rose was born in Indianapolis in October of 1928 and grew up in the Monroe, MI area.  She was very active at Monroe High School where she acted in school plays and was editor of school publications.  She graduated from The University of Michigan Business School in 1950 and was one of only six women in her class. She had one professor ask why she was taking a spot in a class that should have been given to a man.  Rose was a trailblazer!

Seeking a career in business and fashion, she had positions as fashion buyer for major department stores in Toledo, OH, Grand Rapids, MI and Detroit, MI.  As principal buyer for JL Hudson's in Detroit, she traveled to New York City fashion markets twice a month to select the fashions that would be featured at the stores.

Rose married Kalman Szoke in 1957 and left her career to raise three children in the Birmingham, MI area. Had she been able, she would have worked while being a mother, something that was not supported in the early 1960s.  She was the president of the local University of Michigan Alumnae Association, the largest such club in the U of M network.  She hosted and organized large events.  She supported her children by shuttling them to choir practices, sports, and other activities.

Rose and Kal moved to Buffalo, NY in 1976 and Rose earned a master's in education from Buffalo State college. She had a second career as an educator at a local business college.  She was also a career counselor at the Everywoman Opportunity Center, helping women who needed guidance in resumes, interviewing skills and dressing for success.

They moved to Las Cruces in 1996 where Rose was involved in the Y-Me Breast Cancer support group and at St. Andrews Episcopal Church as a member of Daughter's of the King. She found comfort in praying for others. She studied the bible and helped organize service locations when she joined the Church of God later in life.  She also worked on the first Obama presidential campaign.  She enjoyed the social life at the Munson and Benevidez Centers over the years.

Rose was a tireless leader and loved to teach and motivate others.  She used to say that "Success was 90% Attitude" and exuded that energy and spirit in all her endeavors.  She had life-long friends that she treasured.  She was an inspiration to her three children and four grandchildren, giving them love, practical career advice and fun!  She loved reggae music and Frank Sinatra, who opened a door for her at a restaurant in New York City back in the 1950s!

Rose was a snappy dresser and always had a scarf, hat, or necklace to enhance her look. Rose was an avid reader and regular visitor to the Branigan library. She also read the NY Times and Wall Street journal until dementia took her ability to read and retain information.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Long Term Care center for their love and care for Rose in her final few years.

A Graveside Service will be held at 9 AM Friday, January 19, 2024, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88007.  There will be no visitation or reception.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish can donate in Rose's name to the Branigan Library or the Women's Alzheimer's Movement at the links below:

Branigan library

https://libraryfriendslc.org/giving/make-a-donation/

Women's Alzheimer's Movement at

https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com