Rose Opalinski Kolstad, 82, formerly of Northford, Connecticut, died peacefully on Monday, February 20th at the Masonic Home in Wallingford, Connecticut. Rose and her late husband Kaare Kolstad, shared a marriage of 50 years before his passing 2 years ago. Born in New Haven, she was one of seven children of John and Rosalia Wozniak Opalinski. Rose grew up in the New Haven Area of a different age during the 30’s and 40’s with strong family bonds including enjoying long Saturday’s at Savin Rock Park with her sisters. As a young adult, she was an avid ballroom dancer and a certified dance instructor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of New Haven.Early in her career she advanced to the position of Executive Administrative Assistant at Southern New England Telephone Company where she worked for many years until starting her family. Rose was a devoted and nurturing mother of five children, Kaare Jr., Kristofer, Kevin, Kirsten, and Karin. She pursued many passions while raising her children including sewing, gourmet cake decorating, holiday craft making, gardening and bird watching. Rose put these talents to work making birthdays and holidays special and memorable for her family and friends. In her later years while living at Ashlar Village in Wallingford, Rose used her creative talents to produce many beautiful watercolor paintings for her family. Additionally, Rose was an active leader in organizations including the Mother of Twins and the Sons of Norway. Her zealous support for her children’s academic and athletic endeavors provided wonderful encouragement and confidence towards future careers. Rose never missed a football or basketball game and could always be heard above the roar of the crowd cheering for her children’s team. She was a warm and very social person who loved to entertain including picnics and Christmas parties for her large extended family. In addition to her children she is survived by 3 siblings: Anna Heins, Francis Doyle, and Helen Churney as well as 8 grandchildren and was the sister to the late Wanda Skarzynski, John Opalinski and Mary Opalinski. She will be deeply missed.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Masonic Annual Appeal c/o The Mason Charity Foundation of Connecticut, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.
Kevin and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless your Mom and family.
Erl and Kim
Kevin and family, We are saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. Please know that she will be in our thoughts and prayers. Never forget the good times you’ve shared and she will never seem far away.
Kevin,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I will certainly keep you and your family in my prayers
Karin and Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. May you find comfort in the loving memories of your Mom and Grandmother.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Gayle and Family
Kevin and Family, We are saddened to hear of your loss. She will be in our thoughts and prayers. Always remember the good moments you’ve shared with her and she will never seem far away..
Dear Kaare, Kris, Kevin, Karin, and Kirsten,
I am very sorry to hear of your great loss. I have many fond memories of sharing time with your loving family. I still have my cake decorating kit your mom supplied me – and still use it. I know she will be sorely missed. I will pray for you all during your time of grieving. Please call me anytime- 203-389-9195.
To all the Kolstad family.
On behalf of the Norwegian family we will send condolences to all the family in US. We are all with you in our thoughts. We are thinking of you and the visit last summer. Love Merete, Bjørnar, Kjerstin, Ken Tommy, Eline and Maren
Kevin and Lisa very sorry for your loss. Kerrie and I would like to wish you our condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sounds like a wonderful lady,wife and Mother.
Kevin, I am sorry for your loss. My family’s thoughts are with you and your family.