Frances Derosa

Frances De Rosa passed away peacefully at her home on 22 January 2024 with her family by her side.  Her wish was to go home to God.   Frances was born October 3, 1935 to John and Antonia Pochmursky in New York City, New York.  She was of Ukrainian decent.  After attending grammar school, she attended Ukrainian school to learn to read and write Ukrainian taught by the Nuns.    She graduated from Jamaica High School, Jamaica, New York.  She worked for Western Electric Co. New York City, New York.

She met her future husband at a Halloween party and they married on June 20, 1954 at Saint George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City, New York.  They moved to Jersey City, New Jersey and had four children born at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey.  The four children are: John De Rosa III of Ridgecrest, Ca; Joseph De Rosa of Bakersfield, Ca; Catherine Mattox of Ridgecrest, Ca and Frances Pegler of Village of Lakewood, Illinois.  Later on, she and her family moved to Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey and she started her career working at the Stanhope Post Office.

In 1972 she and her family moved to China Lake, CA to work for the Naval Weapons Center where she then worked until her retirement from the base. She belonged to the Desert Ceramic Club on the base in the 1970s where she quickly took on the role of Slip Chairman for several years.  She belonged to the Indian Wells Gem & Mineral Society Club where she was an avid Rock Hound. She enjoyed attending field trips, Gem & Mineral shows, collecting gem quality materials, making jewelry, wire wrapping and became treasurer of the club for many years until her passing.

She attended Cerro Coso Community College and received her 2-year degree and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from California State University of Bakersfield; graduating with honors in June 1998.

She loved to travel with her family on many road trips and cruises: Niagara Falls, Alaska, Italy, China, Russia, Iceland (where she bathed in the Thermal Baths at the Blue Lagoon), Ukraine, Croatia, Sardinia, Calabria, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Hawaii, England, Canada, and the Panama Canal.  Her hobbies included: Tai-Chi classes with her friends, crocheting, sewing, rock hounding, baking, ceramics, Bingo, going to the movies and challenging family members to a good game of Dominoes.

She was a very caring and giving person always donating to many charities in need.  She participated in the Relay for Life cancer walk every year.  She is greatly loved, will be forever missed, and forever in our hearts.

Frances is survived by her loving husband John J. De Rosa Jr of 69 years; John De Rosa III-son, Catherine (De Rosa) Mattox-daughter, Frances (De Rosa) Pegler-daughter; Judith De Rosa-sister-in-law; Paul Predoehl-nephew; Robert Pegler-son-in-law.

Frances was preceded in death by: Joseph John De Rosa-son; Antonio Pochmursky-mother; John Pochmursky-father; Vernon Predoehl-Brother-in-law; Jerry Mattox-son-in-law.

There will be 2 viewings at Holland & Lyons Mortuary on:  Thur 8th Feb from 4-7pm, Fri 9th of Feb Rosary 5pm, viewing 5:30-8pm.  The funeral service will be held at St Ann Catholic Church on Sat 10th Feb at 10:00am.  Following the funeral there will be a graveside service at the Desert Memorial Park, Ridgecrest.  There will be a reception following the graveside service at St Ann hall.