Rosa M. Palumbo
Apr 17th, 2025
Rosa M. (Whittum) Palumbo, 97, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, in Brewster, MA. Born in Bangor Maine, on December 21, 1927, Rosa lived a rich and fulfilling life marked by resilience, curiosity, and love. A proud graduate of Tufts University, she embraced many roles throughout her life: devoted mother of five, homemaker, bank teller and later a vocational high school teacher for aspiring bank tellers. Her dedication to lifelong learning and her passion for helping others were constant throughout her journey.
Rosa raised her family with strength and warmth. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Paul Palumbo and his wife Janis; Laura Foley and her husband Kevin; Cathryn Green and her husband Adam; and Ellen Westcott. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also remember her as a caring presence. Rosa was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Jennie Whittum, her daughter Terri Houghton and her siblings, Hal Whittum and Paula Gibson.
Rosa found joy in the simple pleasures of life— music, gardening, reading, traveling the world, playing bridge and other card games with friends, volunteering with the Cape Samaritans crisis line, and walking the beaches of Cape Cod. Her faith was an important part of her life as a member of Cape Cod Covenant Church. Rosa's family were very musical. Her favorite instrument was her voice which she used to sing to her children, in several church choirs and later in life in a choir at Maplewood Senior Living.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Rosa’s life which will be held at Cape Cod Covenant Church, Brewster, MA on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception with light refreshments.
Memorial donations may be made to Homeless Not Hopeless (https://homelessnothopeless.org/) or WE CAN Center (https://www.wecancenter.org/), organizations close to Rosa’s heart. Notes of comfort may be made, in Rosa's name, at www.hallettfuneralhome.com
Rosa’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched with kindness in her heart, wisdom in her words, and joy in every step along the shore.