Obituary of Rosella Fern Price

Our beloved mother Rosella Price (nee Sears) passed away after a long illness on October 19, 2012. We are grateful that she died peacefully with family at her side. Rosella was born in Palmer, Alaska to Harry Sears (a.k.a. Arthur Ulysses Smith) and Hilda Edlund Sears on June 2, 1936. She was their third child following Donald Arthur Sears and Verna Mae Sears. The siblings were close and enjoyed a lifelong loving relationship. They shared many happy memories of growing up in Alaska, and they were particularly devoted to their mother, Hilda. In 1950 the family left Alaska for the lower 48, and settled in northern California. The lives of Rosella's large and loving family were enriched and elevated by her uniquely vivacious, smart, beautiful, fun-loving spirit. Blessed with natural beauty, effortless charisma, and a relaxed confidence, Rosella, made friends easily and was a born leader. While serving in the role of sister, daughter, friend, mother, aunt, sister-in-law, or grandmother she had a positive impact on many. She enjoyed her children and lavished them with unconditional love, abundant opportunities for laugher, special meals galore, songs to brighten their days, elaborate Easter baskets, and Christmas mornings not-to-be-missed Rosella had three husbands in her lifetime; William J. Hughes, Lou Loomer, and George Price. She was particularly close to her first mother-in-law, Gertrude E. Moseley and sister-in-law, Carolyn Corning. Besides being a wonderful mother and creative housewife, Rosella worked as a waitress for several years at Malios restaurant on the Santa Cruz wharf. Rosella was preceded in death by her husband, George Price; her parents Harry and Hilda Sears; her nephew, Richard Keyes; her former husbands William J. Hughes and Lou Loomer; and her "guardian angel" Gertrude E. Moseley. Rosella is survived by her children Kathleen Rose Hughes, Nancy K. Donato, William D. Hughes, Robert "Bob" Hughes, and Lisa Loomer, and their spouses, Kate McGirr, Juan A. Donato, Michelle Hughes, and Milena Hughes, grandchildren, Tony Donato, Rob Donato, Kathleen Donato, Gabriella Donato, William J. Hughes II, Shawnda Pulley, Benjamin J. Hughes, Sofia Hughes, Tomas Hughes, stepson Michael Price, siblings Don & Sandy Sears, Verna Mae Rowland, and brother and sister-in-law Max and Carolyn Corning, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her loving tribe will miss her beyond measure. On Saturday, October 27, 2012, the visitation will take place11:00 AM-Noon, and the funeral service from Noon- 1:00 PM at Pacific Garden Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery. Benito & Azzaro Pacific Garden Chapel are taking care of arrangements. A celebration of Rosella's life will follow the burial. Call 831.423.5721 for details. Rosella's family wishes to extend deep appreciation to Dr. Grace Laurencin, Kathryn, & Staff at Laurencin Personal Physicians, Rae Ann Radford at Kindred Nursing & Transitional Care, and special CNA Geneveva for the expertise and tender loving care they provided. Flowers are appreciated and contributions maybe made in Rosella's name to the Santa Cruz SPCA.