Rose Horne of Stratford, beloved widow of Michael W. Horne, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 at Bridgeport Hospital. Rose, a compassionate registered nurse, was born on July 5, 1938 to the late Rosario and Eleanor (Roberti) Ragonesi and was a lifelong Connecticut resident.

Survivors include her devoted children Debra A. Horne of Milford and Michael J. Horne and his wife Allison Ullman of Kensington, Maryland, her loving sister Elinor Dolnier of Avon, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Rose was predeceased by her siblings A. Joseph Ragonesi, Joseph Ragonesi, Michael Ragonesi, Ann Miekle, and Phyllis Detwiler.

With a passion and unmistakable gift for connecting with and caring for others, Rose trained as a nurse and began her career at St. Vincent's Medical Center. She later worked the overnight shift at the Lord Chamberlain and Carolton Health Care Centers so she could raise her children by day. Rose cherished her family and friends and delighted in organizing holiday celebrations and preparing traditional meals to bring everyone together. She adored her friends, including those with whom she regularly played games, and above all enjoyed their lively conversations.

She was a fan of UConn basketball, banana splits and lobster rolls, spending time with her grandpup Junior, attending breakfasts with her high school classmates and, when her husband Mike would accompany her, trying her luck at the casinos and attending his annual Navy reunions. Rose was a devout Catholic and an extraordinary listener and source of support and encouragement to all who knew her. Her positivity, authenticity, and cheerfulness lifted others and her loyalty and kind, gentle way were always comforting and reassuring.

Rose will be dearly missed by so many who loved, respected and were changed and inspired by her strength, her softness and her ability to spread joy. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, January 8th at 9 a.m. at the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, and at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull. Friends may call on Tuesday, January 7th from 4 to 7 p.m.

To donate to the Norma Pfriem Breast Center in Rose's memory, visit https://foundation.bridgeporthospital.org/norma-pfriem-breast-center-donate/ or send a check made payable to the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation to the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation/Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610.