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RoseAnne Lee

March 19, 1951 - July 31, 2015
Racine, WI

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Visitation

Friday, August 7, 2015
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM CDT
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, August 8, 2015
11:00 AM CDT
St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolate Church
4605 Erie St
Racine, WI 53402

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

to the family

Life Story / Obituary


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With her warm smile and the personality to match, Rose Lee was a vibrant and dedicated woman in all she did. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, sweet nature, and genuine sincerity. Selfless in all ways, she never hesitated to help those in need, and never expected anything in return. Rose was a true professional which was clearly evident in her life’s work. Larger than life, she was a pillar of the community and a kind, endearing mentor and colleague to those around her. Above all, Rose was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and dear friend to all.

Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced households to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. It was indeed a time of change as well as blessings, especially in the lives of Matthew and Osanna (Topalian) Kaprelian of Racine, Wisconsin when on March 19, 1951 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, RoseAnne into their arms.

A typical child of the 1950s, Rose enjoyed all the adventures and activities of a young girl at a time when life revolved around family, responsibility, and hope for the future. She enjoyed playing with dolls as a youngster, and getting together with neighborhood friends. Her father was a small business owner while her mother looked after their household and worked at the local Piggly Wiggly. She grew up alongside her siblings, Mary, Sam and Charlie in a home filled with loving devotion. During her youth, Rose cared for her sister and brothers deeply, and looked up to them, which carried on throughout their lives.

Having attended the area schools, and not unlike the way she lived her entire life, Rose was a best friend to many. An outgoing and fun-loving young woman, she was full of life and put her heart into everything she did. During these changing times of her youth, the Vietnam War was news of the day while peace demonstrations, anti-war rallies and individuality became the norm. Rose went on to graduate from William Horlick High School with the Class of 1969 and for several years studied at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside before settling down to begin a family of her own.

Rose counted the births of her children, Jennifer Anne and Charles Richard “Ricky” Lee IV as the greatest days of her life. A loving and attentive mother, her children meant everything to Rose. She provided a good and loving home for them, and enriched their lives in many ways. She’d literally give them the shirt off her back, and she did anything she could to help them along life’s way. Rose would often say, "Come shopping at my house," offering food, clothing, and anything else her children may have needed. She was extremely proud of her children and the adults they came to be. Her daughter went on to become a special education teacher pursuing her doctorate in special education at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas while her son pursued a career with Johnson Controls as an account executive. Seeing her children succeed brought Rose the greatest joy, as did her beloved grandchildren whom she dearly loved.

Within her 34 year career with Racine County, Rose received accolades for her dedication, accomplishments and professionalism. Appointed to the Racine County Clerk of the circuit court position in 2009, Rose was then re-elected in both 2010 and 2014. Prior to her duties as the county clerk, she was with the Racine Family Court Commissioner’s office. She also worked for Racine County’s Child Support office, was a criminal court case manager for the clerk of the circuit court, and also served as the administrative deputy clerk of the circuit court. Rose was a member of the Wisconsin Clerk of Courts Association and the Juvenile Clerks Association. She partnered working with the RUSD and the work programs at Case High School.

Rose gave her all and then some to her work. She did a wonderful job at everything she put her mind to, and made many improvements. While her sudden passing has left a large void in her profession, it was Rose’s sincere and outgoing nature that drew others to her side. Well liked, many looked up to her. She worked well the judges, and along with her co-workers, Rose was considered a fun and good friend within her circle of colleagues.

A longtime and dedicated member of St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, Rose’s faith was an example to all. In her spare time, when not working or interacting with her many friends, Rose enjoyed gardening, cooking and reading. She spent much time enjoying her deck, sunning, and swimming in her pool. Family was the center of her heart, and she so enjoyed traveling to see her children and grandchildren at every opportunity. Her fun-loving spirit was evident at the festive, holiday parties she held at her home which always included family and friends. Many loved Rose’s company where good times were sure to be had. She had favorite sayings which also enlightened those around her, including, "This too shall pass", “You make fat coming", "What's going down?" And endearing to those who knew her best, “I love you more.”

On Thursday, July 30, 2015, while at the Racine Yacht Club enjoying the club’s annual picnic and boating excursion for elected officials, Rose sadly fell ill with a sudden brain bleed. She was placed on life support to give her family time to gather, and on Friday, July 31, 2015, when nothing more could be done, they decided it was in Rose’s best interest to remove that support. Even in death, Rose gave one last time through organ donation, helping three people with the ultimate gift . . . life.

Rose’s legacy is found in her giving heart, and her kindness towards others. She was the greatest friend, and when it came to family, she was the glue that kept them together. Known as one of the sweetest, most loving people many have known, the loss of Rose is deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

RoseAnne Lee, age 64, a lifelong resident of Racine, passed away on Friday July 31, 2015 at the Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. She will be dearly missed by her children, Jennifer Lee of Las Vegas, NV, Ricky (Erin) Lee of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Dwight “DJ” Jones and Tyler Burns; her mother, Osanna Kaprelian; siblings, Mary (David Azarian) Kaprelian, Sam (Jan) Kaprelian, Charles (Judie) Kaprelian; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Kaprelian.

Funeral services for Rose will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie St., Saturday, August 8, 2015, 11:00 AM with Rev. Yeprem Kelegian officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with her family on Friday, August 7, 2015 from 3-7 PM at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home–Racine, 803 Main St., Racine, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888. Memorials to the family have been suggested. The family extends a special thank you to the staff and security at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints in the ER and the ICU departments for their professionalism and kindness. To share a favorite memory or photo of Rose and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.meredithfuneralhome.com.

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