Mrs. Rose Elizabeth Gasperich's Obituary
Rose Elizabeth Gasperich (née Hudac), age 87, passed away on March 18, 2026, at The Danbury in North Ridgeville. Born September 22, 1938, in Cleveland, she was formerly a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM, where she lived for 36 years before returning to the Cleveland area to be closer to family. She treasured the life she shared with her late husband, Lt. Colonel Frank Gasperich, to whom she was married for 45 years.
Rose was the daughter of the late Stefan and Elizabeth Hudac. She began her career as a protocol administrative assistant for NASA in Cleveland, where she met the love of her life, Frank. Deeply proud of her Slovak heritage, she carried its traditions and spirit with her always.
A devout Catholic, Rose served as a eucharistic minister and was known for offering prayers or saying the rosary for anyone in need. She was a dedicated supporter of U.S. troops, sending care packages worldwide for many years. In Albuquerque, she and Frank were members of the Commemorative Air Force Lobo Wing, helping restore and preserve World War II–era aircraft.
Rose loved traveling—and was always planning her next adventure, especially cruises—and she delighted in sharing stories of her journeys with friends and family. She treasured visiting loved ones, particularly when she could celebrate their life events, often capturing those moments in her annual Christmas letter. She was fond of the performing arts, chocolate, and kolacky, and she cherished hosting family and friends during the International Balloon Fiesta. Rose enjoyed cheering on her favorite teams—the KU Jayhawks, the UNM Lobos, and the Cleveland Guardians and Browns. She also loved shopping and was admired for her warm presence and her always – perfectly accessorized sense of style.
She was a beloved Aunt and Great Aunt across many generations and a dear friend to countless others. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sisters Mary Onofrey (Joe), Helen Balazin, and Millie Minch (Jim).
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 2640 Stoney Ridge Rd., Avon, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. Interment with her husband will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.
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