Rose Klocek

Rose (Macker) Klocek, 88 years old, of Shenandoah, passed away unexpectedly at LVHN Pottsville on Saturday, January 24 2026.

Born in Shenandoah on May 14, 1937, she was the youngest of twelve children born to Alex and Helen (Budnar) Macker. She was the last surviving member of her family.

“Rosie” was known for her fun-loving personality. In her earlier years, before her many illnesses, she was the life of the party! She never drank a single martini, but you wouldn't know it because she knew how to have a good time! While living in Philadelphia, she taught dance lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Our mom loved to dance, loved Pennsylvania Polka, and liked to polka around the house on South Jardin Street on Sundays. At local block parties back in her day, she would grab a partner and polka until the band stopped playing.

Rose loved animals, but was especially a cat lover. Over the years, she adopted many strays, in addition to her own beloved pets. We believe they're waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge, including Gypsy, Ellie, Chrissy, Tabby, Buffy, Sabrina, Sammy, and Harry. She also loved her grand dog, Molly, very much. We know they were all there to greet her in Heaven.

Rose was a housewife and mother, but before marrying her husband, Leonard, she worked in Philadelphia for Bell Telephone, and later in life, she enjoyed working part-time at Capitol Food Store, and made many lifelong friends. She volunteered her time in the cafeteria at Father Walter Ciszek School, appropriately so since Rose had a great devotion to Father Ciszek. She was also a long-time member of the choir of St. Casimir’s Church in Shenandoah.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leonard Klocek, in 2010, an infant son, Leonard, in 1967; sisters, Sophie Bugdan, Helen Lebiedziewski, Anne Macker; brothers, Alex Macker, Peter Macker, Michael Macker, Walter Macker, and others who passed before Rose was born in 1937.

She leaves behind her two loving daughters, Susan, at home, and Karen (Sugrue) and her husband Bill, Mount Carmel; a granddaughter, Emily Sugrue, and many nieces and nephews from the Klocek side and the Macker side. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Pickles.

We will miss Rose terribly, especially because we were not prepared for her to leave so soon. Our faith helps us in knowing we will see her again one day.

The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for her the past year after her diagnosis of COPD. Special thanks to Dr. Mavesh Shabbir of LVHN Pottsville, Stacey Moyer, LCSW of Pottsville, and Cindy Malacusky at the Shenandoah Manor, for their kindness to our mom. We would like to thank these very special neighbors and friends: Lenny Wierzalis and Anne Andricks, and Suzie and Jack Butler. To Chris Kowalski of Stutz Funeral Home, Mount Carmel, for his kindness in our time of need, and Monsignor Francis Karwacki of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

As per Rose's wishes, the services will be private. At a later time, her daughters will host a celebration of life to honor her memory.

Memorial donations may be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901, Shenandoah Community Ambulance, 229 North Main Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976, or The Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League, c/o 108 West Cherry St., Shenandoah, PA 17976 to advance his canonization to sainthood.

Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor and Christopher L. Kowalski, Funeral Director are in care of the arrangements. To offer condolences to Rose’s family, please sign the guestbook below.