Rose Marie DeLara, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 15, 2023. Rose Marie Fiorentino was born on December 18, 1928 at home in Fresno, California to Mauro Fiorentino and Rosa Zingarelli Fiorentino. She was the third of nine children who grew up on Pottle Street on the west side of Fresno.

Rose attended Edison High School, where she enjoyed learning and making friends. She loved to go dancing at the Rainbow Ball Room, where she met her future husband, Edward (Scotty) Delara. They married on January 20, 1951, in Saint Alphonsus Church and had two children, Deborah and Edward Rodney. Scotty and Rose celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary 3 months prior to Scotty's passing on April 28, 2005 at the age of 78.

Rose worked seasonally in a fruit packing house for over 20 years, but her main and most important career was being a devoted wife and  outstanding mother. She always put her family and home first, working endlessly hard and sacrificing to provide a loving and comfortable environment, seeing that her children never went without, and providing the foundation and the opportunity for them to build a better life. She was a meticulous housekeeper who maintained a spotless home. She loved to garden and work in her always manicured yard, which she took great pride in.

Rose also loved to socialize with family and friends. She was a meticulous dresser who always looked elegant and stylish. She loved listening to Italian music and was a fan of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Il Volo, and Elvis Presley. She was a fantastic cook of all foods, but her specialty was Italian cuisine. She made the best pasta sauce, bracioles, meatballs, pizza, and various soups that everyone raved about.

While she was still able, Rose loved to regularly take long power walks in her neighborhood. She also was a member of a local gym where she used the elliptical trainer, ran on the treadmill, and lifted weights. She was a tough, strong woman with an endless amount of energy.

Rose was an outstanding daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She was a loving and supportive person who always had a kind word and a smile for everyone and was a faithful Catholic.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edward (Scotty) Delara; parents Mauro and Rosa Fiorentino; siblings Ann Griffey, Mike Fiorentino, Mary Allard, baby Ben Fiorentino, Ben Fiorentino, and Jack Fiorentino.

Rose is survived by her children, Deborah (Lyle) Morse and Edward Rodney (Annette Jelmini); granddaughter Jaclyn (Chris) Kliewer; great-granddaughter Cassidy; siblings Frank (Betsy) Fiorentino and Anthony (Barbara) Fiorentino; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Jerry and Aimee of Grace Home Kare and caregivers Marlene, Serafin, Ron, and Tina for their altruistic care of Rose. Special thanks also to Evelyn from Compassionate Care for her kindness and support in her final days.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary and a funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., at Holy Spirit Church in Fresno. Inurnment will follow on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Fresno.