MERCIK– Rosemary “Rose”, 71, of Vinco slipped away in a dream and made her way to heaven on September 1st, 2024, after combating multiple organ failure. Rosemary was born December 15, 1952 in Johnstown.

Rose’s parents were the late John and Dora (Shaffer) Kupchella. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Bernadette Kupchella-Remic, her mother-in-law Genevieve Mercik, father-in-law Theodore Mercik, niece and nephew Claire and Bryce Kupchella, great-nephew Bodhi Gourley, and her cherished cat Tuxie. She is survived by her husband Richard Mercik, her son Mitchell (Sarah) Mercik; her siblings John (Patricia) Kupchella, Daniel (Angela) Kupchella; sister in law Gloria (Ron) Popovic, brother in law Dave (Connie) Mercik; nieces and nephews Alena (Matt) Gourley, Josh (Mallory) Kupchella, Ryan (Merdith) Popovic, Jason (Isabell) Popovic, Christopher (Nichole) Kupchella, Julie Mercik, Devon Ruby, Jordan Kupchella, and Leah Mercik; great nieces and nephews Issadora, Jacob, Ian, Cassidy, Jonas, Marlee, Thea, Lillian, Reed, Grant, Charlie and Mia.

Rose was one of a kind. She was loving, funny and known for being a straight shooter who said what was on her mind. She was a devoted wife, spending nearly 49 wonderful years with the man she shared countless laughs and adventures with. She was a loving mother, constantly bragging about her son, who she would do anything for. She was incredibly caring, with a career of 32 years as an Aid at the Ebensburg Center. Rose’s family and friends meant everything to her, and she would go out of her way to attend every event that she could, even in the times it was difficult for her to travel.

Her passions were centered around the celebration of life and the pleasures that it offered. She reveled in hosting and attending dinner parties, as well as celebrating all holidays: taking any opportunity to raise a glass to the gathering of friends and family. Travel inspired her, as she explored the mysteries of ancient European cities, luxuriated in the warm sandy isles of the Caribbean, trekked across the great westward expanse of the US, and swam in the Alaskan sea and walked its sylvan sanctuaries. She also loved the glitz and the glamor of casinos and would frequent their various institutions across Pennsylvania and New England. Rose loved September race weekends, and the wineries, at Watkins Glen and celebrating her wedding anniversary in York Beach MI with a lobster roll. She had a deep passion for all things old, frequenting flea markets to find just one more antique to add to her collection; and basking in the faded glory of the Victorian homes in Cape May NJ.

The world's loss is heaven’s gain. We know Rose is raising a glass wherever she is, toasting to the gathering of friends of family she has been reunited with. She will be deeply missed.

Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo, where funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, the Rev. Brian Warchola officiating. Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Twin Rocks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose’s memory may be made to The Carmelite Monastery, PO Box 75, 2101 Manor Drive, Loretto, PA 15940 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be left for the family at www.askew-houser.com