Rose Cikusa 1927-2022

She was born Feb. 27, 1927, in Niles, the daughter of Donato and Grace Villecco Gatta.

Rose was a 1944 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and was employed at Robco Products for 15 years, and Niles Manufacturing for five years as an operator. She and her husband, Mike, owned and operated Russia Field Market for 30 years.

She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and a festival volunteer at the cheese puff booth. She enjoyed crocheting (especially her scrubbies), knitting, cooking and baking, and loved watching her soap operas. She also loved playing the family dice game and spending time with her family and many “adopted” grandchildren.

Her husband, Mike “Bimbo” Cikusa, whom she married Oct. 10, 1959, died April 29, 1990.

She is survived by her daughter, Grace Seidler and significant other, James Karr; two grandchildren, Erin Carter and her husband, Chase, and Michael Seidler and his wife, Melissa; stepgrandchild, Tara Karr; two great-grandchildren, Vincent and Nathan Seidler; and sibling, Dan Gatta. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, James Gatta and Ralph Gatta; and two sisters, Norma Edmonds and Annette Common.

The family expresses extreme gratitude to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley for their amazing care and help.

Friends may call 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles, preceded by a 10:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Rose’s family.

(special notice)