Rose Marie Walter, 92, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on October 26, 2026. She was born in Shamokin, PA, to John Andrusko and Madeline Duzick. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lothar J. Walter. Prior to her husband’s death, the couple enjoyed participating in their children’s activities, as well as square dancing and traveling. Rose Marie was one of 9 children; surviving are brothers Jerome and Ronald, and sister Jane. She is also survived by her 5 children: The Rev. Kathleen Walter (Gerry), Michael (Nilda), Stephen (Deb), John (Connie) and Thomas (Mickey). She has 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all whom she adored!
Rose Marie’s family eventually moved to Philadelphia, where she graduated from Little Flower High School. She held several jobs before her marriage, including time with Bell Telephone. Although primarily a homemaker, Rose Marie returned to the workforce after raising her children. She was employed as a bookkeeper at Penn Maid Foods and in food service at Abington Friends High School.
Following retirement, Rose Marie purchased a condo on Anna Maria Island, FL, because she loved the Gulf Coast beaches. She traveled back and forth between Florida and Philadelphia for many years. After selling her condo, she purchased a house in Cape May, NJ, to be closer to family, particularly her grandchildren. In addition to frequent beach visits, she was very active in the Cape May Garden Club and a variety of social clubs. She had many friends with whom she enjoyed playing games, especially Bridge and Mahjong, dining out, and traveling. She also took every opportunity to drive her red car anywhere, even if no one went with her, and to go shopping.
Rose Marie moved to Clearwater, FL, in 2015, following her daughter who became the rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clearwater. She remained a member of St. John’s after her daughter’s retirement and lived in both Clearwater and Largo. She could often be found at Indian Rocks Beach or Honeymoon Island, or shopping at Bealls.
A celebration of Rose Marie’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 12 Noon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1676 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL, 33764, followed by a reception in the church hall. The service will also be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/–wzj8CUWa4?feature=share
A second service will be held on Tuesday, December. 1, at St. Ephrem RC Church in Bensalem, PA, with a viewing at 10 a.m. and mass at 11 a.m. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery and a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rose Marie’s name to St. John’s Episcopal Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association – Donate to Dementia.
