Kathleen Mary Rose

Beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, nurse, officer, educator, and friend.

Kathleen M. “Kathy” Rose, 76, of Davis, California, passed away unexpectedly on November 7th, 2025, in her home.

Kathy was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on April 17, 1949, to the late Manuel and Eleanor (Almeida) Rose. She attended and graduated from Everett High School in the class of 1966.

After high school, Kathy attended a 3-year nursing program at Whidden Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, launching her career as a nurse. Shortly thereafter, in 1969, she enlisted in the United States Air Force to become a flight nurse. During her active-duty career, she participated in caring for servicemen from the Vietnam War and, years later, from Operation Desert Storm. Kathy spent most of her military career in the USAF Reserve because she taught nursing at California State University, Sacramento. In the USAF Reserve, Kathy rose through the ranks. By the time Kathy was a Major, she had earned the Chief Nurse’s badge, the USAF Meritorious Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and was named the Distinguished Graduate of the Flight Nurse course. When Kathy retired from the US Air Force on November 2nd, 2002, she held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

As a part of her military service, she was stationed in California at Travis Air Force Base in 1970. While stationed at Travis Air Force Base, she established herself as a California resident. In 1978, a mutual friend set up a blind date between her and Robert Chung. The story goes that she decided to continue seeing Robert as her dog at the time, Thai Lee, did not bark at him - the ultimate sign of approval. They married on September 29th, 1985. Together, they raised two sons, David and Matthew. She was a very nurturing and caring wife to Robert and mother to her children. From time to time, she brought her family with her back to New England to see her brother, Lawrence Rose, sister-in-law, Cheryl Rose, and niece, Jennifer (Rose) Meranda.

Before marriage, in 1982, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors from California State University, Sacramento, and then in 1984, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco. She was also a founding member of the Sacramento State chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an academic honor society. Kathy was deeply proud of her academic achievements, which empowered her to excel both as a nurse and as a respected lecturer at Sacramento State University. Throughout her career, she met lifelong colleagues and friends, whom she spoke of fondly.

Kathy was an active member in her community and a practicing Catholic. She had often volunteered her time at St. James Catholic Church and with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Other groups that she supported, whether with her time or through financial donations, were Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Yosemite Conservancy.

While Kathy was not focusing on her career or philanthropic endeavors, she thoroughly enjoyed English horseback riding, baking, hiking, and skiing. When at home, she loved spending time with family, whether it was playing board games, completing puzzles, or watching her beloved New England Patriots. When it came to the holidays, she loved to decorate, especially for Halloween – no matter what time of the year, she was always in search of new yard decorations, more fog machines, or anything else to improve her home’s spooky Halloween ambience. To her loving and caring nature, she had opened her home to her children’s friends and watched over them as if they were her own; she often spoke of them as ‘her boys’. She loved them all as if they were her own.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, she actively participated in Rock Steady Boxing, a program that aims to reverse, reduce, or delay Parkinson's symptoms by providing a vigorous physical and supportive environment that also boosts cognitive function and emotional well-being. The program is dedicated to keeping those with Parkinson’s as mobile and mentally competent as possible. At her Rock Steady Boxing gym, she earned the boxing name of “Knock Out” with Robert as her cornerman. Kathy’s coach often described her as having true grit and as a model to others for her strength, resilience, and cognitive function. While she was tired after each session that she was able to participate in, she never gave up the will to keep pushing herself through the physical and mental exercises. Despite living with Parkinson’s, she did not let it define her.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Robert, her eldest son, David, her youngest son, Matthew and his wife, Michelle; her sister-in-law, Cheryl Rose, niece Jennifer (Rose) Meranda and her husband, Dan, and their children, Gemma and Charlotte; her sister-in-law, Jeannie Chung; her brother-in-law, Wes Chung, sister-in-law Emma Chung, and nephew, Eric Chung.

Kathy’s life was a testament to compassion, service, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services have been arranged at Smith Funeral Home in Davis on November 30th, 2025, at 11:00 AM for open-casket viewing. The funeral service begins at 12:00 PM. She will be interred at Davis Cemetery at 1:30 PM.