Rose Elizabeth O'Hare of 119 Strawbridge Ave., Sharon, PA. passed away at 5:50 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2009 at UPMC Shenango Valley. She was 90.
Mrs. O'Hare was born in Farrell, PA on May 17, 1918, a daughter of Louis and Margaret Esposito Elia.
She was a 1935 graduate of Farrell High School.
Elizabeth was a homemaker most of her life. Prior to marriage she worked at Fessler Machine where she was a Bookkeeper.
Mrs. O'Hare was an activist for the handicapped, she organized the first handicap girl scout troop in Pennsylvania and was also a troop leader for over 25 years, she also hosted parties to benefit the handicapped and was a former board member and organized the parent group for Arc of Mercer County; She was also highly involved in AARP 3375, MECA, Family Support Services, A volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Elizabeth enjoyed dancing at Idora Park with a dance club, and writing poetry. She was an excellent cook, and was always preparing meals for people in her neighborhood or helping them however she could. She was also involved in the literacy program at the Sharon Library.
Her husband, Carl R. O'Hare, whom she married in 1944, passed away in 1980.
Survivors include: 4 daughters, Beth and her husband Dale Van Luven of Brookfield, OH, Margaret O'Hare of Greenville, PA, Carol and her husband Joe Pepe of Millersville, MD, Darlene Bozzo of Hermitage, PA, and; 2 sons, Jim and his wife Josie O'Hare of Victoria, British Columbia, and Dennis and his wife Cecilia O'Hare of Johnson City, TN; 2 sisters, Geraldine Tate and Marguerite Duich of Hermitage, PA; 2 brothers Raymond Elia of Lansbury, PA and Robert Elia of Warren, OH; 8 grandchildren, Aleda Wainwright, Jay Pepe, Gary Bozzo, Mark Bozzo, Abby O'Hare, Sydney O'Hare, Leslie O'Hare, & Jennifer O'Hare; 6 great grandchildren, Joey Pepe, Jake Pepe, Joshua Rankin, Isaak Becker, Tara Wainwright, Brandy Wainwright;
Besides her parents and husband, Rose was preceded in death by, a sister Louise Patt; a brother, James Elia.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2009 at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon, PA 16146
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Phil Roland and Rev. Al Arquilla of Lighthouse Outreach Ministries.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Arc of Mercer County. 850 North Hermitage Road. Hermitage, PA 16148