Brenda Joyce Rose

With heavy hearts, the Rose and Wallen Family announces the passing of Brenda Joyce Rose. Brenda, a long-time resident of East Haven, departed this life at the age of 75 at home on October 1st with her son by her side. 

One of thirteen siblings, Brenda was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many. Before her retirement she worked at U.S. Surgical for more than 30 years. During her downtime she enjoyed going to bingo with friends and she loved it even more when her sisters could tag along; spending time with family was especially important to her. Her family always looked up to her as the big sister “our big sister.”

Brenda had a few passions that she enjoyed but nothing compares to the love she had for animals. Throughout her life she would always have a houseful of pets, and most of them were either given to her or rescued from the streets. Brenda had a heart of gold and always made sure her beloved fur babies were well cared for, including the neighborhood pets, too.

Brenda loved life and had so much to give, sadly in December of 2019 Brenda was diagnosed with lung cancer; her family was saddened by this news. Brenda had to make some tough decisions on her treatment moving forward. In the beginning Brenda did not want to undergo radiation or chemo but after a discussion with her children and family she decided to fight, and she did just that. Brenda began a series of radiation and chemotherapy sessions that lasted for about 6 months; not once did she complain. Brenda kept it moving forward and received the best news that she was in remission; God had given us three more years with her. During this time, she attended family events; weddings, picnics, birthday parties and loving every minute of life with her fur baby “Trouble.”

This past year the cancer returned, and Brenda passed away peacefully at home this past Tuesday; her beloved family greeted her on the other side.

Brenda is survived by her sons Wayne Rose of Meriden and Anthony Rose of East Haven; grandchildren: Wayne Jr, Bridget, Mariah and Antonio; and great-grandchild Andre. She leaves behind siblings Richard Rose of Indiana, Glenn Wallen of New Haven and Sherry Wallen of Meriden, and many nieces and nephews.

Brenda was predeceased by her wife Linda Hanford; parents, Russell Fredrick Wallen, and Yolanda Mattie Wallen; brothers Harry Rose, James Wallen, Brian Wallen, Philip Wallen, Russell Glen Wallen, and Russell Fredrick Wallen; beloved sisters Ester Fitch, Estrellita (Star) Koukoulis and Karen Wallen; nephew Brian Wallen, great-niece Giada Marie Longo, several pets, and her treasured fur baby “Gigi.”

Please join us on Saturday October 5th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green to honor Brenda. A memorial service will take place in the funeral parlor at 4:30 p.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda Joyce Rose, please visit our floral store.