Rosalie Romano Lovoi was born on May 16, 1916, in Orange, Texas to John and Maria Romano. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a member of the first graduating class of St. Mary’s Catholic School. Blessed with 90 extraordinary years of life, in death she is reunited with her loving husband, Jasper Lovoi, Sr., and her siblings, Louis Romano and his wife Bea, Dominic Romano and his wife Isabel, Mike Romano and her beloved sister Angie and husband Frank Lomonte.
Rosalie grew up in Orange, Texas surrounded by multiple relatives before marrying and moving to Beaumont, Texas to start at life with her husband. In 1932, Rosalie and her husband Jasper, opened Lovoi Pharmacy, in the South End of Beaumont. She worked tirelessly by his side serving the medical needs of the citizens of Beaumont. After successfully helping her three sons become pharmacists, together they officially created the business today known as Lovoi and Sons Pharmacies, Inc.
Rosalie was an avid bridge player and was a proud member of the group fondly known as the “Jolly 12”. She was also an extensive traveler, criss-crossing the globe as well as attending multiple soccer tournaments to watch her grandchildren compete. Until recently, she was a true Longhorn, attending every home game in Austin. A devout Catholic, her faith was a inspiration to all those who surrounded her and as such, she was a member of The Sacred Heart of St. Joseph Church.
Rosalie, fondly knows as “Meema”, was the matriarch of our extended family. She was always the one with the loving smile and kiss to say hello, a hug when we were weak and a house key when we needed shelter. She was always ready to play a game of Wahoo and was meticulous about maintaining a fair game. She above all, knew that the traits of honesty and integrity were vital for a successful life. Additionally, she was an extraordinary chef and baker, never letting a holiday pass without baking her famous chocolate, coconut and lemon pies.
The memories that we all share span generations and will continue to be a part of each and every one of us. We will all take a piece of her with us and for that we will all indeed, be better persons.
Rosalie is survived by her brothers, Carlo Romano and his wife Mike, and Joe Romano and his wife Rosalie. Her sisters-in-laws Lena LaRocca, Rose Luparello, Ruth Lovoi and Mary Romano. Her three sons, Joe Lovoi and his wife Jannie, John Lovoi and his wife Paula, and J.J. Lovoi and his wife Deborah. Her grandchildren, Jodie, Julie, and Joey Lovoi, JoEllyn Jowers and her husband Donald, Amy Beth and John Lovoi and his wife Christy. Mary Goode and her husband Kevin, Jenifer Dold and her husband Larry, Josh Lovoi and his wife Nicole, Jasper Lovoi III and his wife Keisha, Rosalie, Jonathan and Justin Lovoi. Her beloved great grandchildren, Keegan, Kendall and Morgan Goode, Reid and Meredith Jowers, Dominic and Juliana Dold, Riley Abshire, Jordan Lovoi and Hines Lovoi as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
As a family, we would like to thank her caregiver Neda Burnett for her tireless love and dedication to our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or St Anthony Cathedral Basilica, P.O. Box 3309, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
