SOUTHBURY - Rose Van Ess, 97, was called home to her Heavenly Rest on Friday, October 19, 2007. Born in Staten Island, NY on July 6, 1910, the daughter of the late Bernard and Augusta (Hetzel) Beinert, Rose was raised in Staten Island and worked as an executive secretary in New York City. She was Baptized and Confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church in Staten Island where she met her late husband, Fred, while they were members of the church choir. Rose, Fred and family moved to Danbury, CT in 1946 where they lived and were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church until moving to Southbury in 1981, where they became members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, CT.

A lover of music, Rose was a choir member at Trinity Lutheran, Immanuel Lutheran, an ardent supporter of the choir of Christ the King Lutheran, and also was a long time member of the Danbury Community Chorus. She served on the Board of Trustees of Immanuel Lutheran, also as a Girl Scout leader, a director of and performer in various church plays, a volunteer at the Southbury Training School, and at the Southbury Lutheran Home. Rose was a very active member of the Business & Professional Women during her working days at the business office of Candlewood Shores in Brookfield, CT.

In addition to her love of family, her Lord, and music, Rose enjoyed to travel throughout the continental United States, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and many other fascinating destinations.

Her husband of 48 years, Fred C. Van Ess, died in 1983, and they are survived by their daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth J. and Ronald C. Schlemmer of Naples, FL and by their son and daughter-in-law, F. William and Diane A. Van Ess of Southbury. Rose is also survived by grandchildren, Cynthia Lombardi, Deanna Dodge, Jodi Schlemmer, Cassandra Brown and Doreen Wille, as well as great-grandchildren Jillian Lombardi, Kristen Lombardi, P.J. Dodge, Devon Dodge and Anastasia Brown. She was pre-deceased by her sisters Kathleen Beinert, Bertha Wigt, Augusta Griffin, and brothers Charles Beinert and Bernard Beinert. Rose is also survived by nephew Ferd Wight, and nieces Bernice Fisher and Barbara Zarkowski.

Memorials: Memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Home of Southbury, 990 Main Street North, Southbury, CT 06488 or to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt. Pleasant Road, Newtown, Ct 06470

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Christ The King Lutheran Church

Services: A Memorial Service celebrating Rose's life, will take place on November 3, at 11: 00 AM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown, CT.

Visitation: Family and friends will be received at 10: 30 AM, prior to the service.