Rose Maxson, 75, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 06, 1989 due to natural causes.

Rose was born in the American South on February 24, 1914, and later moved to Pittsburgh, where she met her late husband Troy and remained a resident for the rest of her life.

After the passing of her husband, Troy Maxson, in 1965, Rose went on to live as a single mother to her adoptive daughter and youngest child, Raynell Maxson. At the time of her death, Rose was a widow, having never remarried after Troy’s passing. In the years before her late husband's passing, Rose turned to her religion and began to devote herself to the church. Rose continued to follow the word of god after the death of her husband and used her faith to guide her in starting her life over. It was her faith that inspired her to start her women's and children’s shelter and orphanage. 

Rose started volunteering at the local women's shelter in her town after Troy’s passing, and later went on to open her very own women and children’s shelter and orphanage in the spring of 1970 called “Rose’s Garden” that specializes in helping struggling mothers and children without homes. Rose, having been a stay-at-home mom for over two decades, decided to devote the rest of her life to her organization and put her blood, sweat, and tears into ensuring no woman or child in Pittsburgh was left feeling alone or abandoned. Aside from being the founder and main provider for her organization, Rose’s favorite pastimes were cooking for the women and children staying at her shelter and regularly attending church and bible studies, both of which she did with a passion unmatched by anyone. Rose did not travel outside of town much in her lifetime, and she was known for only ever leaving Pittsburgh for business-related work and to visit her three children and her grandchildren.

Residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rose Maxson, a beloved member of the community. Rose was known for her kindness and hospitality, and is best remembered for her delicious food, of which she always made sure to offer to anyone stopping by. Neighbors of Rose recall the many times she looked after and took care of their children and commend her and her efforts to educate the young mothers in town on how to properly care for their babies. Volunteers from her organization describe Rose as a giving woman with a strong head on her shoulders and a heart of gold. Her shelter, as well as her home, was a safe space for many, and her legacy of selflessness will not be forgotten.

Rose is survived by her son, Cory Maxson, her adoptive daughter, Raynell Maxson, her step-son, Lyons Maxson, her four grandchildren, and her many friends from Pittsburgh and beyond.

There will be a private funeral service for the family and friends of Rose, followed up by a brief viewing open to members of the community at the Walter J. Zalewski Funeral Home located on 216 44th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. The viewing will take place on July 10th, 1989 from 12pm to 1:30pm, and she will be laid to rest shortly after.

To honor Rose's memory, those who cherished her are encouraged to donate to the New Bethel Baptist Church, of which she frequented in her lifetime, as well as Rose's women and children's shelter and orphanage, Rose's Garden.