Rose Meyer Obituary

Rose Marie (Bertsch) Meyer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home in Walden, New York, on July 23, 2025. She was 90 years old.

Born on August 25, 1934, in Cochecton, New York, to Charles and Gertrude Bertsch. Rose and her brother grew up playing at Cochecton Mills which their father owned. She married her high school sweetheart, James Meyer, in 1959 and they shared 63 years of marriage. Together, they raised a family in Walden that is rooted in love, kindness, and a sense of togetherness.

After studying at SUNY Albany, Rose got her start in teaching in Roscoe, NY. After raising her children, Rose Marie found her second home as the principal's secretary at East Coldenham Elementary School. There, she was the soul of the front office, a calm, caring presence who made students feel safe. She was a hero during the East Coldenham Wall Disaster and lived her life in remembrance of the young souls lost that terrible day.

As a member of the community, she was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, a member of the Parent Teacher's Association and recipient of the Founder's Award. She was Vice President of the Valley Central Scholarship Council and a member of the Coldenham Fire Department's Ladies' Auxiliary.

Outside of work, she was known for her love of family, gardening, doing puzzles, traveling, shopping, cooking and baking. She made the best meatballs and cookies - always needing to sample them herself before they were served! Her great-grandchildren were her brightest light in her later years, filling her home once again with laughter, toys, and love.

Rose Marie is survived by her three children: Barbara Palmer, Patricia Arnott (Elliott), and Michael Meyer (Stephanie); eight grandchildren: Shawn Arnott (Victoria), Patrick Arnott (Heather), Megan Palmer Desnoyers (Andrew), Rory Meyer, Kelly Arnott Delacruz (Nico), Mickenna Meyer, Cian Meyer and Lyla Laffin; and five great-grandchildren: Ryann, Eleanor, John, Hailey, and Mila. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Maas and Joy Bertsch, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as her beloved Card Club and many neighbors and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, James, her son, Paul; her parents, Charles and Gertrude; Jim's parents, William and Catherine Meyer; her brother, Earl Bertsch; and her in-laws, Al Meyer (Karin), William Meyer (Sylvia) and Charles Maas and her dear cousin, Marian VanTassel.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Rose Marie's dedicated care team: Kristen, Hyacinth, Alayna, and Janett. As well as Celeste, Jasmine and the whole team from Orange and Sullivan Hospice. Their compassion, kindness, and unwavering support provided comfort and peace to Rose Marie in her final days. We are deeply grateful for the care and love they showed to her and our family.

Services will be held under the direction of Millspaugh Funeral Home located at 22 Bank Street, Walden, NY 12586. Calling hours will be Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Millspaugh Funeral Home with a burial immediately to follow at East Cochecton Cemetery in Sullivan County.

Contributions in Rose's honor can be made to Valley Central Scholarship Council located at Valley Central High School, 1175 Route 17K Montgomery, NY 12549 or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc. located at 800 Stony Brook Court Newburgh, NY 12550. Please note Rose's name on your contribution.

Rose Marie's legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

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