Rose Habib

Rose Ruth Habib November 26, 1923 - December 23, 2012 Rose Wawee was the second youngest of seven children born to Nickola Wawee and Carrie Tager in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her parents were turn-of-the-century immigrants from Lebanon, who came to this great country to find a better life. Rose attended high school in Grand Rapids, and worked in her parents' grocery store from an early age. At the age of 20, she met David Joseph Habib, of Detroit, at a social gathering of the American Syrian Lebanese Association. David and Rose each realized the other was their life partner, and they married on May 17, 1945. They lived a modest but loving life in Detroit, surrounded by family and friends. By 1959, Rose had given birth to four boys. In 1960, Rose and David moved to Southern California, settling first in the San Fernando Valley, then moving to Simi Valley in 1967, where they became parishioners at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. During this period Rose worked part time for the local school district. She and David lived happily with their children until 1975, when David abruptly and unexpectedly died of a heart attack at age 59. Rose and her sons were crushed at the loss. Eventually, Rose began working as an assistant in her sons' business. She also greatly expanded her interests and activities in Simi Valley, working at the Senior Center, participating in life-writing groups, reading to the blind, feeding the homeless, and volunteering in many activities at St. Rose of Lima, including the Ladies of Charity and the Annual Festival. Rose was an extraordinarily selfless, supportive person, always sensitive to the needs of others. She is survived by her four sons, David Jr., Richard, Mark & Kenneth; three daughters-in-law, Karen, Faten & Monica; seven grandchildren, David III, Lauren, Peter, Richard Jr., John, Marcus & Caroline; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Noah & Christian; and two sisters, Emma & Helen. Rose is also survived by a large extended family, including many nieces and nephews. Viewing is scheduled at Rose Family Mortuary in Simi Valley on Friday January 4th from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church on Saturday January 5th at 12 noon, followed by burial at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.