Rosaline B. (Borer) Smith

Rosaline (Rose) Borer Smith passed away on January 2, 2025, at the age of 99, at home in Deland, Fl. Rose was born on October 20, 1925 in Ottawa, Ohio to the late John Jacob and Henrietta Klausing Borer. She grew up in Ottawa, the youngest of twelve children where she attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic School for her elementary and high school years. Following high school, Rose earned her Registered Nursing degree at St. Rita Nursing School in Toledo, Ohio, a vocation that she would eventually nurture in Florida when she moved to Deland in 1946. She enjoyed reading, sewing, quilting and traveling throughout the world for many years.

Rose was a devoted wife and mother and was married to William (Bill) H. Smith on February 9, 1947 for 48 years prior to his death in 1995. Together they raised four children at their beloved Orange Avenue home in De Land, Bradford Smith (Molly) of Cocoa, Karen Shea(Timothy) of De Leon Springs, David Smith (Judy) of Commerce, Georgia, and Mark Smith (Debbie) of Hartwell, Georgia. Rose’s loving family included eleven grandchildren- Courtney, Lindsey, Robin, Carmen, Timothy, Matthew, Kevin, Kelly, Hollie, Stephanie and Katie and 23 great grandchildren.

Rose was a lifelong Catholic and her faith was extremely important to her. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Deland where she and Bill were married in 1947 and where her children were baptized and attended elementary school. For many years her voice could be heard at Sunday Mass as she served as choir director. She also was a cast member in several Shoestring Theatre plays including a lead as Golda in Fiddler on the Roof many years ago.

Rose was a “working mom” who cared for the Deland community as a floor nurse and then in the Nursing Office at West Volusia Memorial Hospital (now Advent Health DeLand). Following her retirement, she would often be found with her family during the summer in the mountains of North Carolina in a home with a “view”. She would make her annual rounds of antique stores, art shops, and vegetable farms in the Smokies and loved to ride the winding roads while exploring waterfalls and vistas along the way.

A memorial prayer service will be held at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home Memorial Chapel DeLand on Tuesday January 14 at 11am.  All are welcome to attend a reception immediately following the service at Chicas Cuban Cafe 215 S Woodland Blvd. DeLand FL. In lieu of flowers and in thanks for their caring service during Rose’s final week, donations may be gratefully made in Rose’s name to Halifax Hospice at 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

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