SARATOGA SPRINGS – Rose (Cooperberg) Cavalluzzo passed away March 6, 2021 after a brief but brave battle with ovarian cancer. No words can express how merciless this disease is. Born August 16, 1952 in Manhattan, Rose grew up in Whitestone, NY, after a short time in the Bronx. She attended Hunter College High School, Sarah Lawrence College, and Saint John’s University.
Rose was a loving, giving, bright and hard-working woman. A lifelong educator, she taught high school and college courses and supported teachers throughout her career for the New York City Board of Education. She made learning fun and memorable and was always willing to step in and help a student in need, even if they were not in her classes. Rose was first and always willing to help wherever she could and lift the people around her up. She was quick to make friends, and always there for anyone who needed her.
While NYC was where she grew up and worked, Rose fully embraced Saratoga Springs long before she moved here in 2012, and positively adored her new hometown. She would tell anyone who asked that living in a community with so many wonderful things to do - good restaurants, places playing great music and a library that’s open 7 days a week – was exactly what she wanted. While the winters were a bit long for her liking, she was even beginning to appreciate them, if only a little. Losing her as the world is waking up to spring is the biggest heartbreak, as this was her favorite part.
In Saratoga, Rose fully embraced the opportunities to continue to learn and grow. She participated in several book clubs, enjoyed the company of other teachers at the retired teachers’ luncheons, and was excited to see more of her community through the Academy for Lifelong Learning. Rose loved dancing (especially to Garland Nelson and Soul Session), music of all persuasions, and summers by the pool with friends and family. She was the life of the party and made everyone feel welcome and at home.
Rose is survived by her husband, Michael, and her daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and David, as well as many dear friends, old and new, near and far, who have been so supportive and caring. She was predeceased by her beloved son James in 2019, and his loss was still new and devastating to all of us, but especially to Rose. She was also predeceased by her brothers, William and Howard, and her parents, Dorothy and Samuel, with whom we hope she is having a long-awaited reunion.
While we are grateful that Rose is not suffering, we all miss her terribly already. Rose’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the many people at Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Oncology who have made the hardest time in their lives as compassionate and caring as it could be.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations Rose’s name to either Caffé Lena (47 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) or to Old Friends at Cabin Creek (483 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833)
Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
