Rose 'Meme' Apicelli Chiafullo, 97, of Long Branch, was taken peacefully into the arms of the angels while at home on Monday, July 20, 2009. She was 97 years of age. She was born in New York City on April 26, 1912, grew up in Asbury Park and lived most of her life in Long Branch. Rose was a seamstress in clothing factories in Asbury Park and Long Branch for many years before marrying her husband Patrick and becoming a loving wife, mother and homemaker. Meme took great pride in her cooking and loved to prepare big, hearty, Italian meals for family and friends. Of all of the meals Rose cooked, she was especially famous for her home made pizza. She was and avid fan of the New York Yankees, following the team since 1942. Her favorite saying was 'Outta Here', when the Yankees would hit a home run. She loved watching the Giants, Jets, Notre Dame Football, Golf and even the Mets. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life and this tiny woman was a true matriarch of her large family. She will be missed by all. Her smile and wonderful memories will live on forever Rose was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church for 62 years, celebrating Mass in the pew that she felt was reserved just for her and was overjoyed to be able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of 'her church'. Rose was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW post of Mount Carmel Church in Asbury Park. Rose was predeceased by her husband Patrick in 1980 and by her parents and 12 brothers and sisters. Surviving are her children: daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Bill Mahnken Long Branch; two sons and daughters-in-law Patrick Jr. and Ann, Long Branch, Joseph and Sylvia, Fischer, TX.; stepson and his wife Newton and Lorraine Chiafullo, Fort Collins, co.; brother Carmine Apicelli, Sunrise, Fl.; five grandchildren: Rosanne Wike and husband Sam, Long Branch; Gina Roth and husband Matthew, Jackson, NJ; James Campbell and wife Kim, Wilson, NC; Drina Eastwood and husband Daniel, Virginia Beach, VA and Patrick Chiafullo, Fischer, TX; and 4 great-grandchildren: Thomas Brazilian, Gianna Roth, Trinity Campbell and Christian Hampton. Visitation will be Wednesday July 22nd, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the Woolley Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street at Broadway, Long Branch. The funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 23rd, 9:30 AM at Holy Trinity RC Church, of Christ the King Parish, Prospect Street, Long Branch, New Jersey. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport. Donations in memory of Rose can be made to Holy Trinity Church, Christ the King Parish, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch, NJ 0740. You may light a candle of condolence on the opposite page. The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff of St. Barnabas Hospice and especially her nurse Elizabeth and aide Shevonne.