Grafton – Rose Marie Searles, née Moschini, passed away peacefully at the home of her son Geoffrey in Grafton on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the age of 99.
Rose was predeceased by her husband David Searles, her parents Umberto Moschini and Angelina Moschini, née Natichioni, her brother Francis Moschini, her sister Barbara Levene, and her son, Jonathan Searles.
She is survived by her brother Robert Moschini, her sister Mary Ann Gawalt, and four of her children: Thomas Searles of Upton, Geoffrey Searles of Grafton, Susan Sharpe of Utah, and Benjamin Searles of Milford. She also leaves 15 grandchildren and dozens of great-grandchildren.
Rose was born in Framingham, MA on June 30th, 1924. She paid her own way through Framingham State University graduating with a major in Nutrition and Food Science in 1942. Subsequently she taught school in Ashland and the Mendon-Upton school systems. After graduating, she became the manager of one of the first health food stores in the area, Country Health, in the early 1960s. She was also an accomplished violinist and a great lover of singing and dancing.
The central passions of her life were her dedication to the value of organic food and her deep love for her children and extended family. She will be greatly missed.
Following cremation, calling hours will be from 5pm to 7pm at Roney’s Funeral Home on Friday, September 29th, in Grafton, MA.
Burial will be at a private ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery in Upton.
