Rose Aurelie Moratti (Barzyk)

She was born on September 14, 1934 in Dearborn, Michigan to Edward and Rozalia Barzyk. Rose graduated from Fordson High School and in 1950 received a nursing diploma from Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. This is where she earned the nickname, “Pepper.” Rose also completed her RN-BSN from NMU in 1975.

She married August Moratti in 1954. Together, in Michigan, they raised five beautiful daughters until moving to Nevada in 1985. During their 54 years of marriage, they took numerous trips across the United States as a family in their RV named “The Red Burden.”

Rose pursued a career as a private and ED nurse, and finished in school nursing both in Michigan and Nevada. She was dedicated to always providing the best care to anyone she encountered. From 1979 to 1980, Rose served as president of the Michigan School Nurses Association. In addition, she taught CPR certification within the Marquette community. Using those CPR skills, Rose saved the lives of three people in our community. She was an advocate for better pay and benefits for school nurses in the Reno/Sparks area.

Rose spent her life in the quiet pursuit of many creative things. She was a master seamstress, who created many one-of-a-kind matching outfits for her five girls as well as tailoring any project she was given. Rose was determined to learn about stocks, creating the “Moratti Girls Stock Club.”

While in Nevada, she joined the “Cook Kickers,” a tap dancing group who provided entertainment at nursing homes and hospitals. Rose spent her free time refinishing furniture, faux painting, and making stained glass art. Rose was always busy; she was even seen vacuuming acorns off the lawn with a shop vac!!

Rose had a second love in life for Gary Dahlke. Together, they spent time travelling from Reno to Arizona to Michigan, visiting family throughout the U.S., never missing an event.

Rose is survived by her five daughters, Julieanne (Michael) Greene of Bend, OR, Deborah (Stephen) Wissler of Marquette, Natalie (Robert) Martin of Marquette, Michelle (Brian) Poynter, Sparks, NV, and Mary (Dan) Gannon of Marquette; seven grandchildren, Taylor and Hunter Greene, Kaitlyn, Alex and Austin Wissler, Hannah and Nicholas Poynter; one great grandson, Griffon Wissler; half-sister, Olga Khon; sister-in-law and friend, Patricia Barzyk. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Rozalia Barzyk; her husband, August Moratti, brother, Edward Barzyk and significant other, Gary Dahlke.

There will be a private family celebration next summer in Marquette. In memory of Rose, “Pepper” Moratti, donations can be sent to U.P. Home Health and Hospice, 1125 W. Ridge St., Marquette, MI 49855. Also, online donations can be directed to uphomehealth.org

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the AMAZING and LOVING staff at Brookridge!

Although Rose suffered from dementia, she never lost her quick laugh, beautiful smile and feisty spirit! May she rest in peace and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Rose’s family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.