Rose McNerney

Rose A McNerney (nee Smyth) was born in Cloonback, Longford Ireland May 29th, 1934. She was the daughter of James Matthew and Bridget (nee McDermott) Smyth. She was the sister to Mary, Bridget, Frank, John, James and Eugene, all now deceased. From 1950 to 1952 she attended Ballinamuck Tech school in Longford. Upon graduation, and at the age of only 18 she left Ireland and arrived in New York City. She landed a waitress position at her beloved “Schrafft’s” restaurant. She embraced her new country and loved her job. She then met the love of her life James P McNerney (passed 4/15/2020). James was a Fordham University graduate and they began a courtship but James was drafted into the US Army. James was sent overseas and served from January 1958 to December 1959 before being Honorably Discharged. He returned home, quickly engaged Rose and they were married September 24th 1960 in NYC. They lived in the Bronx and eventually bought a home in Teaneck, New Jersey. They had seven children and all were raised in Teaneck. Eileen (Brian), Daniel (Marizela), James (Kerry) Rosemarie (deceased), Dennis (Cathy), Elizabeth and Patrick (Nikki). Rose was the loving grandmother of 12 grandkids who always made her face light up when they were around. She was blessed to have a beautiful bouncing Great Grandson in her life as well named Matthew. Rose being a devout Catholic sent all six of her kids to St Joseph’s elementary school in Bogota, New Jersey. She attended Saturday evening mass there for over 55 years as well and volunteered with different events over the years for the parish. When all the children were in school full time Rose went back to work for the Teaneck Board of Education. She was first employed at Longfellow school and then Whittier school and eventually retired with over 25 years. Rose enjoyed her time there and was thankful for the friends she made. Rose was a member of the Bergen Irish Association and always enjoyed a St Patricks Day parade regardless of the weather or where it was located. She indoctrinated her kids with marching in NYC’s St Patrick’s Day parade by participating under the banner of County Longford. In the 1970’s and 1980’s the beginning of March at her Teaneck home consisted of baking ingredients, tin foil and multiple requests for her famous Irish Soda Bread. No request was ever declined. Rose enjoyed the NJ beaches with her family and the simplicity of a “cup of Tea” with her lady friends. She also was an Aunt to numerous nephews and nieces with some still in Ireland. Rose was a proud grandmother, the best mother, a devoted wife, a smiling great grandmother and a “friend”. An Angel, named Humberto Zuniga, appeared in Rose’s and Jim’s life when her husband Jim became sick. Upon Jim’s passing Humberto continued to care for Rose, he was her rock for these last five years and we are forever grateful for you!