Retirement Party Held at Mario’s Famous Pizza, Perth Amboy for 48 Years of Service to the Salvation Army
By Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – I decided when I grow up, I want to be Rosie Weikel.
You may have seen Rosie walking around Perth Amboy when she was not at the Salvation Army which was very rare.
Rosie is pint-sized but has all the energy of a tornado. It is very rare to see a woman at the age of 90 – yes that is 90 – so vibrant and who could probably move more quickly than people half her age. Correction –I’ve seen her move better – and without any kind of aid (crutch, cane, walker) than people in their 30’s.
I had the privilege of being invited to Rosie’s retirement party held at Mario’s Famous Pizza on Sunday, January 19, 2014.
Rosie’s niece, Debbie Foley planned the surprise party and boy, was Rosie surprised when she walked in that door! See the expression on her face in the photo above.
Rosie was greeted by hugs and kisses from the adults but I think the sweetest hugs she received were from the youngsters who were there.
I think Rosie was more popular than Santa Claus at that point. You can tell by the way the kids ran up to her with big smiles on their faces.
In 1993, Rosie was honored with the Honorama Life Member Award. This award has only been given out 38 times in the whole world.
Born July 19, 1922, Rosie became a USO Volunteer at the age of 20. She married Harry Weikel in 1957, but he passed away a short time into the marriage. Although Rosie never remarried or had children, the Salvation Army and the families they serviced became part of Rosie’s family. So, in essence, Rosie did have many children.
Rosie has served not only in the Salvation Army honorably since 1965 when she became a full time housekeeper in the Salvation Army, but she has been recognized in other townships such as Woodbridge by then Mayor Jim McGreevey and when he became Governor.
There are too many awards, recognitions and behind the scenes contributions that Rosie has accomplished. They say if you enjoy what you are doing, then you have not worked a day in your life. Rosie worked for many years, but to her it was not work, because she truly enjoyed every day with the people she loved and loved her back.
