Rosella (“Rose”) M. Tripodi, 82, died Sunday, April 7, at Indiana Regional Medical Center. Rose was the daughter of Harry E. Bailey and Evelyn M. Dismonde and was born in Jenner’s Twp. in 1936.
Rose graduated from Latrobe High School and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She retired as a teacher in the Indiana Area School District after more than 30 years of service, where she was an elementary and junior high school teacher, grant writer and Title I coordinator. She was married for over 61 years to her husband Dr. Paul D. Tripodi.
She is survived by two children, Lynn Healey of Indiana, Paul D. Tripodi II and his wife Ellen of Hermosa Beach, California, and five grandchildren Auden, Adrienne, Maren, and Sloane Healey and Paul Tripodi III, as well as one great granddaughter Emory.
She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Sylvester Gray; her daughter Anne MacDougall; her brother Arthur Bailey; and her two sisters Esther Seranko and Evelyn Jean Meredith.
Rose was an avid collector of antiques, owner and proprietor along with her husband of Sunburst Acres Blueberry Farm, and dog and cat lover.
She was a dedicated elementary and junior high school teacher who cared deeply for her students and the education system. She was a great friend to many, and always took the time to say hello and exchange pleasant thoughts and conversation. To her children and grandchildren, she was a constant source of guidance, support, and encouragement. And, to her husband, she was his loving wife and constant companion for more than 61 years. Rose was always a happy, thoughtful, and caring woman – full of energy and love.
Consistent with Rosella‘s wishes, funeral services will be held privately among family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Bernard’s Catholic School (www.stbernardlc.org).
