Begnal, Rose D. – Fred H. McGrath & Son, Inc.

Rose Marie DiDomenico Begnal went to Heaven peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her Bronxville home on Saturday, December 9. She was 96 1/2 years young, and the shining star of her family.

Rose was born and raised in Ballston Spa, NY and was a proud graduate of Ballston Spa High School. While working for the telephone company as an operator she met and married the love of her life, George F. Begnal, Jr.

Business transfers took them to the Washington, DC area and then to Westchester where they were active members of Annunciation Church in Crestwood NY. Rose was a member of the Ladies Guild, sang in the Annunciation Church Choir and performed with the Annunciation Players. Many strong and enduring family friendships were formed there and continue to this day.

Rose had quite an interesting, fulfilling and eclectic career. She called for Catholic News subscriptions, was the banquet manager at Patricia Murphy’s Candlelight Restaurant, and worked for the New York City Visitors and Convention Bureau. An opportunity arose at IBM and she was ready for the challenge. Promotions followed and she loved every role she held there.

After early retirement from IBM Rose was an outplacement advisor at Janotta Bray, Right Management and Davis Consulting. She treasured these opportunities and continued to have a positive impact on all who she met and befriended. Again, the blessing of enduring friendships.

In her free time Rose enjoyed being on the stage. That came as no surprise to anyone. She was an early member of the Actors Conservatory Theater, founded by her dear friend Arlene Wendt. Annunciation Players also held a very special place in her life because of the wonderful relationships that were formed there. Annunciation Choir allowed Rose to sing her heart out every Sunday.

Art classes also provided another creative outlet for Rose, which did come as a surprise. Her beautiful paintings grace her home and the homes of proud family and friends.

Rose was a woman who was cherished by her family. She took great joy in visits with them, excited to hear all about their escapades and accomplishments. A heartfelt cheerleader. Advice and guidance, all helpful and appreciated, were dispensed with love, a keen eye and the wisdom of her years. She was the matriarch, the unchallenged leader of the DiDomenico Begnal Scovotti van der Voort clan.

Friendships of all ages were considered a wonderful blessing. She was Grandma Rose to her grandchildren and their many friends, and Gigi to her great grands. Rose made friends easily and cherished each one, forming a strong bond that elicited enduring memories.

Rose outlived most of her contemporary friends. Their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren remained connected to her and brought her endless joy, comfort and support.

Rose is survived by an adoring family: her daughter Barbara Begnal Scovotti, her grandson Michael Scovotti, his wife Jennifer and their children Avery Rose (10) and Dylan Hansen (almost 6), and Lisa Scovotti van der Voort, her husband Steven and their children Tristan Jay (8) and Anneke Summer (5), her nephew John DiDomenico, Jr. and son-in-law Anthony Scovotti.

Rose was predeceased by her loving husband of almost 30 years, George F. Begnal, Jr., her daughter Nancy Begnal, and her brother John DiDomenico and his wife Alice.

In the words of one of her dearest friends, ”Many of us are feeling sad about Rosie’s passing. The loss would have been much greater never to have known her at all.”

Condolences(9)

Barbara L. Hall says
December 15, 2023 at 8:30 pm

I send my condolences to Rose’s family. It was a pleasure to work with her at IBM. She was always kind, professional, wise, and respected by all. My prayers are with you.
Bobby Johnson says
December 17, 2023 at 1:38 pm

So glad to have known Rosie over many years,—proud to have worn her minks—and delighted to have shared a meat at her home with Rita and Valerie Dillon as well as Rosie’s in home caregiver last year.
Doreen Ferrara says
December 17, 2023 at 7:31 pm

Dear Barbara,
Thinking about your mother and how she lived life to the fullest. She will be remembered by so many.
Our thoughts are with you.
Doreen & John
- REPLY
  Barbara Scovotti says
  December 20, 2023 at 8:42 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Doreen and John.
  Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
  Barbara
Kathryn Rahill Banks says
December 18, 2023 at 12:22 pm

Dearest Rose,

As an honorary member of the Crestwood clan, my earliest and most joyful memories are spending the holidays at the Angelilli’s and with that, seeing you. And being a redheaded child in a world where peers were cruel, your always complimenting my hair helped my then fragile self esteem. My sisters felt the same way. Meanwhile, I coveted your raven hair with that shock of a white streak.

How beautiful you will always be to me. Your endless warmth and love – not to mention your sassy sense of humor was such a gift to all who knew you. I still have the Lord and Taylor nesting boxes you gave me when my granddaughter Rose was born. They are under my tree right now. I told Rose all about you and she was interested to hear my stories. She’s not a redhead, but you would have loved her.

And as one of your dear friends said, “Many of us are feeling sad about Rosie’s passing. The loss would have been much greater never to have known her at all.”

Love,

Kathy
Susan Johnson says
December 18, 2023 at 2:35 pm

From when I was a young girl, Rose always made me feel welcome and loved and that is something I will always carry with me. She truly possessed a pure and beautiful heart 🙂
Michael and Mariel Tedaldi says
December 19, 2023 at 7:13 am

Barbara

The words you wrote about your mom said it all. We always cherished the times we spent her, the fun and laughter never stopped. The memories will live on forever. She was truly special.
Sorry we could not be there in person to be with you and your family
Maria Clair-Howard says
December 19, 2023 at 11:40 am

Oh my Sweet Rose! I am sad you have left and I did not get to see you of late, but I am so happy you are in the arms of the Lord and with your beloved husband and daughter. Such a great lady – Our Grand Dame of Annunciation! She lived the fullest life, brought light into any room she entered and gave sincere encouragement to all of us. I was grateful for her support as a singer – then a Player! I cherish the times we chatted into the wee hours at our After-parties for the cast of the Annuncation Players. Very special lady, indeed! The world is less bright with your passing – but heaven is a lot more fun! You will always be missed because though we were not in physical touch – you were rarely out of mind. I love you Rosie! See you when I get there (if!)
Joan Louney Wakeman says
December 27, 2023 at 11:08 am

To our Dearest Rose,

You were such a giant light for all of us in Crestwood from the old gang of Beautiful people. You were a huge part of our lives and a second mother to many of us, especially me. I know you are with Jesus and your dear George and Nancy and all the others who you just joined in Heaven. We love you forever Rosie. Thank you for being such a strong support and wonderful part of our (my) lives. I hope to see you again someday. Rest in peace lovely lady. All our love, Joan Cahill Wakeman & Family

Begnal, Rose D. March 30, 1927 - December 9, 2023

Condolences(9)

Barbara L. Hall says

Bobby Johnson says

Doreen Ferrara says

Barbara Scovotti says

Kathryn Rahill Banks says

Susan Johnson says

Michael and Mariel Tedaldi says

Maria Clair-Howard says

Joan Louney Wakeman says

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