Rose Mary Soda

Rose Mary was born on April 26, 1925, to Tony and Maria (Lavia) Severino, both originally from Crucoli, Italy. She was raised in “Little Italy” on the southside of Des Moines with her brother Frank James and sister, Mary Louise. She attended St Anthony School and Lincoln High School. Life was simple, visiting aunts and uncles (who all lived on the same few blocks), attending neighborhood festivals at Columbus Park, helping tend the garden, ice skating at MacRae Park, going to school and church. Along the way she met Sam Soda (he lived on the next block). She said he was handsome, and she was very beautiful. They were married at age 22, he planned it that way.

They started up Tony’s Food Market on 6th Ave with her brother Frank, his wife Mary and her cousin Tony Romeo, they had so much fun working together. They built their brick house on South Union (her heaven on earth) and had Nancy and Frankie, life was good. When the big grocery stores came they attempted other businesses, they started Allied Wholesale Meats, where they retired early. Both lived a good life, they enjoyed grandkids and Sunday dinners.

Her life changed abruptly when Sam was diagnosed with cancer and died after a short battle in 1992, both were 66. She had to carry on alone and did it well. She always loved her home and her family nearby. She was a terrific homemaker and a great cook. After a visit with her great grandkids she fell and broke her hip after waiving goodbye to them. Surgery the next day at 95 years old couldn’t quite repair all of her issues. The Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center reluctantly became her home until her death.

Thank you to all at the nursing home staff for caring for our mother when we could not.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sam and infant daughter Maria; parents, Tony and Maria Severino; brother, Frank (Mary); sister, Mary Louise.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (John) Sarcone, son, Frank (Marie), 6 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Family will be greeting friends on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Saint Anthony Catholic Church; 15 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines. A rosary prayer service will be held prior to visitation at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. Rose will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St Anthony’s.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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