Rose M (Cappello) Ciervo

Rose M. Ciervo passed into eternal life on Friday, November 15, 2013 after a long illness. Rose was born in Schenectady on September 22, 1918, the daughter of the late Francesco and Concetta (nee Cappello) Ciervo. A graduate of the former Mont Pleasant High School, Rose received her normal school teaching diploma from Walsh College (New Jersey) and then went on to earn a B.S. in Elementary Education and English and M.Ed. in Education Policy and Practice, both from the College of St. Rose; and a M.A. in English and C.A.S. in Guidance and Counseling from SUNY Albany. Rose taught at schools in West New York (NJ) and Bristol (CT) before returning to the Albany area in 1948. Her career in Rotterdam public schools spanned five decades, first as a teacher at Jefferson and Bigsbee schools and then for more than 30 years as a guidance counselor at Mohonasen High School. While her family was the cornerstone of her life, service to the Church on the local and diocesan levels was truly the great passion of her life. A parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady for more than 90 years, Rose was elected to several terms as a member and president of its parish council and school board. In addition, she served as a Eucharistic minister, lector, religious education instructor, Girl Scout leader, and a member and president of numerous societies and organizations at Mt. Carmel. Throughout her life, Rose was honored by the parish with numerous awards and accolades. Rose was a founding member of both the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany Pastoral Council and School Board. Elected president of the board in 1972, she became the first laywoman in the United States to head a Roman Catholic diocesan-wide decision and policy making body. Rose was a past recipient of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award from the New York State Catholic School Parents Association, and the Archbishop John Carroll Award from the National Catholic Educational Association, presented for her "pioneering leadership and distinguished service to the Catholic School Ministry." She is survived by eight nieces and nephews: Connie A. Ciervo and Angela M. Ciervo of Schenectady, Frank A. Ciervo of Glenville, Frank J. Ciervo and his wife Michele of Niskayuna, Karen S. Heidenstrom and her husband Gary of Guilderland, John J. Ciervo, Jr. of Boston, Patrick A. Ciervo and Rosanne P. Ciervo of Rotterdam; and five beloved great nieces and nephews: Crystal L. Ciervo of Philadelphia, Patrick M. Ciervo of Rochester (NY), John P. Heidenstrom of Guilderland, Courtney Anne Ciervo of Niskayuna, and Kelsey Rose Heidenstrom of Guilderland. In addition to her parents, Rose was predeceased by her sister, Anne Ciervo, and five brothers (Lawrence, Dominick, Pat, John, and Sam Ciervo). Calling hours will be held at DeMarco-Stone Funeral home 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, Monday, November 18 from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, 10:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant St., Schenectady,at11a.m. Burial will be in the family plot at St. John's Cemetery. For those wishing to honor Rose, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Religious Teachers Filippini, Provincial Office, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Ave., Morristown, New Jersey, 07960 or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.