Szczepanik, Rose Ann

Fairport, NY May 9, 2024

Born Rose Ann Hassen in Harrisburg Pennsylvania on May 7, 1942.  She was the only child of Pauline Hassen (McGee) and John Bernard Hassen.  As a child Rose Ann enjoyed horseback riding and playing with cousins.

Rose Ann attended Notre Dame High School, in Elmira, NY.  She then received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo in Education in 1964. She then went on to receive her Certification in Speech Pathology in 1969. Rose Ann began her career at the Board of Cooperative Education (BOCES) and then at Churchville Chill School District, Chestnut Ridge Elementary School.  Rose Ann retired from here in 1999.

Rose Ann met her husband Joe in 1968 and then they married on November 21, 1970.  They purchased their home in Fairport shortly after and this is where they raised their children, Michael, and Carol.

Rose Ann and Joe had a great passion for travel.  Family traveled the summers from 1984-1989 driving across the United States and Canada.  During these trips the Szczepanik family visited 49 states in the United States and several provinces of Canada.  Though Joe was the family photographer, Rose Ann took detailed notes on their travels.  She kept notes from what each family member ate at each meal to the many tours they took through historical cities and national parks.  Once Joe and Rose Ann retired, they continued their travels without the children to Alaska, Europe, Australia, New Zeeland and Rose Ann’s favorite, Egypt.  Rose Ann was very proud to share with everyone how she rode a camel in Egypt.  

Rose Ann was an active member of American Association of University Woman. Promoting equality and education for woman and girls.  She was also a Stephen Minister at her parish.  Supporting members of the St. John’s community when they were hurting the most.

Rose Ann was true sports lover, especially the Buffalo Bills.  The Szczepanik’s were season ticket holders for more than 20 years.  Attending games no matter what the weather.  Many great memories were made in that stadium.  

In 1999 Joe and Rose Ann built their dream house.  Garage sale hunting for toys her 4 grandchildren, Rose Marie, Mya, Evan, and Sebastian became her favorite new hobby.  She and her husband enjoyed hosting events with family and friends, especially their annual Epiphany party.  

Rose Ann will be remembered as a fun loving, fierce advocate for her family and woman’s rights and for her great sense of humor.  She loved to dance no matter where she was.  Family was faith were very important to her.  A true Irishmen until the end.  Most of all she was full of love and kindness.   We will miss her dearly.

Calling hours will be Sunday 5/19/24 from 1-3pm at Richard Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd. Fairport, NY 14450 and the Funeral Mass will be on Monday 5/20/24 at 10am at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Association of University Women https://www.aauw.org.