Roseann Marie (Maltese) De Simone passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the age of 74. She was a beloved member of the Wilton community where she resided for 35 years, an accomplished professional both in health care and education, and above all else an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother.
Roseann was born on Aug. 18, 1949 in Mount Vernon, NY. She graduated from Hunter College, Mount Sinai in 1970 with a degree in nursing, followed by a B.S. in psychology from Mercy College in 1973, and her Masters in health administration and education from Long Island University in 1978. Roseann’s early career was spent as a pediatric nurse at Misericordia Hospital in the Bronx, followed by her advancement into administration as the Assistant Director and then Director of Nursing at Montefiore and Saint Joseph’s hospitals, respectively.
Her career then pivoted to encompass her lifelong passion for learning by first teaching nursing students at Pace University and eventually Norwalk Community College. While raising her young family, Roseann became the Director of Community Health at Nursing & Home Care in Wilton before ultimately evolving and launching the health education program at Wilton High School, where she taught for 22 years until her retirement. To no one’s surprise, Roseann continuously was awarded with recognition and accolades from her students including being voted WHS’s “Favorite Teacher of the Year.” The love and respect that her students had for her was a reflection of who Roseann was — warm, generous, caring, loving, and kind.
Roseann was an active member of the Wilton community and served on the Social Services Committee among countless other volunteer roles. Following the tragedy in Sandy Hook, Roseann joined the Wilton Security Task Force to help ensure the safety and well-being of students and community members. Roseann found great joy in doing everything she could to help others in every way possible.
She was the wife of John and mother of Jonna Franklin (Mike), Dayna Sargen (Peter), and Marc (Robbi-Lyn). But her favorite role of all was being the most loving Nana to Jack, Grace, Tommy, John, and Charlie. She was the soul of the family and most cherished when her loved ones were gathered together enjoying the delicious meals she so effortlessly prepared.
She is predeceased by her parents, Luigi Maltese and Angelina (Lasorsa) Maltese, and her loving uncle, Pasquale Lasorsa.
A mass in celebration of Roseann’s life will be held on Friday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church (229 Danbury Rd.). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Roseann’s memory to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To offer online condolences to Roseann’s family, visit the Bouton Funeral Home website.