Rose Di Stefano

Rose Di Stefano nee Tragert, born at 64 Wingerstrasse, in the town of Sprendlingen, Germany on May 5, 1930 to loving parents, Ernst and Dorothea. Rose is the second of four children and beloved sister to Margot, Gisella, and Gunter (her caring brother with whom she communicated each and every night). She is the aunt to Bernd and Roger, and great aunt to Taya Grace and Lisa.

Rose came to Toronto, Canada, in the 1950's. She fell in love and married Antonio Di Stefano. Rose and Antonio shared an endless "FOREVER" love. On special occasions, Antonio bought Rose three red roses, each rose symbolizing the three words "I love you!" Out of their passionate love was born their son, Piero. As a loving and devoted grandmother, Rose was blessed with three grandsons, Marc, Paul and Matthew.

Rose quickly learned to speak Antonio's first language, Italian, and was immersed into the Italian culture given her German heritage. She was loved and supported by her loving sister-in-law, Teresa, who telephoned her each and every morning. She was embraced by the Di Stefano family - mother-in-law Giovanna, brother-in-law Domenico, sister-in-law, Anna, brother-in-law Bruno, sister-in-law Jenny, and brother-in-law Luigi. She became a loving aunt to Michela, Ann-Marie, Robert, Nancy, Joannie, Roberta and Joan; and great aunt to Paul, Michele, Sarah-Kelly, and Jacob-Domenic.

Rose became known as 'Ante' Rose and was adopted as a loving grandmother to Amanda, Sarah, and Michael. Rose shared the same hospital at the birth of her adopted great-granddaughter, Lucia Ayla.

Rose's love, legacy, and kind spirit will always live on in the lives of those she profoundly touched throughout her life.