Rose E. Mancuso

Rose E. Mancuso, RPh Age 96, passed away peacefully in her home on January 10, 2022, with her Great Niece and God Daughter at her side. Rose was the 8th of 9 children born to Santo & Francesca Mancuso, Italian immigrants who settled in Joliet. In their large family Rose stood out with her head of curly hair and an always smiling face. A lifelong resident of Joliet she was born on April 28, 1925. After graduation from Joliet Township High School, she attended Joliet Junior College and completed her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Rose graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1948, just one of four women in her class of 37 graduates. Rose was one of the first women pharmacists in Joliet opening doors for many to follow; she was a mentor to many women seeking a career in Pharmacy, a career she treasured and continued for 52 years. She began her pharmacy career in Racine before returning to Joliet. She worked in a local drugstore before purchasing it with her partners and eventually creating a 10-store independent chain known as the Joliet Prescription Shops. Rose operated a pharmacy in downtown Joliet until 1979 when the store was relocated to the west side of Joliet. After an affiliation with Sickroom Service Agency Program the Joliet Prescription Shop became the only place in the area to offer ostomy, urological and mastectomy products. Rose eventually founded Remco Medical, Inc., a full service durable medical equipment company which serviced the Joliet Community from 1981 until 2017. Mancuso’s civic contributions included being a founding member of the Greater Joliet Ostomy Association. The Will County branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society benefited from Rose’s leadership for over 20 years, and she was a member of the advisory board for the Chicago-Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Known for her commitment to the community she quietly contributed to many local charities, schools, foundations, and churches. Rose gave generously to her community by her participation in several agencies; some include, Lightways Hospice formerly known as Joliet Area Community Hospice, the Joliet Junior College Foundation, the State of Illinois Pharmacy Board, and Joliet Area Zonta Club. In recent years, when loved ones or friends came to visit, Rose always offered an affectionate smile, a warm hug, and lots of love. She has been described as a sturdy column, small but mighty, loved by family and friends. She is survived by several generations of nieces, nephews, and God-children - each holding loving memories to cherish. As her generation within the Mancuso family ends, she rejoins her beloved parents and siblings preceding her in death. Brothers Samuel, Ralph, Joseph and Dominic; sisters Catherine Mancuso, Frances Pettinato, Marie Hayes and Josephine Mancuso; and parents Santo and Francesca Mancuso. The family would like to thank those individuals who provided comfort and care allowing Rose to say in her home. Pila Kane, with deepest gratitude for over 30 years for friendship, compassion, and love. Margie S., RN and the entire staff of Lightways Hospice. Dianthia, Theresa and Nadia words cannot express our gratitude for the skillful and loving care you provided. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home at 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL. A Mass and Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Church of St. Anthony, 100 N Scott St, Joliet, IL, 60432 on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with private Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum,1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, IL. (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Alcove) In lieu of flowers, please donate in Rose’s memory to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or The Church of Saint Anthony, 100 N Scott Street, Joliet, IL 60432.