Wayland – Rose (Shabo) Barsoum, 89, of Wayland, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at home. Rose’s husband of 61 years, Peter Barsoum Jr., passed away in October 2009.
She is survived by her three devoted children, Diane Grossman and her husband David of Canton, Katherine Beesley of Marblehead, and James Barsoum and his wife Susan Schiffer of Lexington; her brother, George Shabo of Pawtucket, R.I.; two sisters, Nora Ayash of Fall River and Olga Dwyer of Worcester; three granddaughters, Katherine, Sara and Julia; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four sisters, Lily Albert, Victoria Salum, Dorothy D’Andrea, and Sophie Gamel. She was lovingly known as “Auntie Rose” by so many who knew her.
Rose was born in Pawtucket, R.I. to the late Shaya and Mary (Agaty) Shabo. She moved to Worcester years later when she married, and then to Shrewsbury in 1958, where she raised her family and became active in the community. She later attended Doherty High School in order to complete her high school degree; she graduated as the Valedictorian of the class of 1972 and received awards in writing. In 2012, she moved to Wayland to be closer to her children.
Rose was a devoted and faithful member of the St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, where she served as the Treasurer for 40 years and was the only woman to serve as church President. She enjoyed bowling and started a bowling league called “The Socialites,” now known as “The Vagabonds.” Rose loved playing golf and was a member of the Pleasant Valley Country Club and later Marlborough Country Club.
A period of calling hours will be held Friday, Nov. 18, from 3-7 p.m., in St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Dr., Shrewsbury. Her funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m., in St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery of Worcester. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Dr., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
To share your thoughts and memories of Rose with her family, please visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
