Rose Ann Woodbridge
Age: 56
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: EMT-B‚ Firefighter
Fire Departments: Hanover Township and Reily Township

Rose Ann Woodbridge thrived on the fact that she was needed by so many people. She devoted her life to being a loving wife‚ mother‚ grandmother‚ friend and citizen of her community. Married to Ray Woodbridge for nearly 37 years‚ they were frequently the envy of newlyweds. Rose and Ray were often seen holding hands and taking hikes on long weekend camping trips. With her moral compass as a guide‚ Rose helped raise three daughters: Lori‚ Kim‚ and Jennifer. She spent as much time as possible with her six grandchildren showing them the value of hard work and respect for elders by participating together in various outdoor activities‚ 4H‚ and sports.

Rose was a woman for others‚ giving generously her love‚ time‚ and money. She was a great listener and Rose’s friends always knew they could count on her loyal support. Most of Rose’s friends considered her to be their best friend. She rose to the role of family matriarch when her mother passed in 1987. Rose was a tireless promoter of keeping the family together. This effort was made considerably easier due to her tremendous talent for cooking extravagant‚ home-cooked‚ holiday meals which every family member eagerly anticipated. Rose’s favorite times were the Holidays‚ especially Christmas. She spent the whole year shopping for just the right gifts and loved decorating her house and yard. She had an extravagant display that she called The Christmas Village.

Rose served on the Reily Fire Department Auxiliary for more than 30 years. At the age of 50‚ Rose went back to school to join the department as an emergency medical technician. In January of 2003‚ she realized she could also serve Hanover Township by being available during the day when most volunteers were working other jobs. She later overcame asthma‚ claustrophobia and a fear of heights to also become a firefighter for Hanover Township. Following the example of her father‚ Charles Ashdown‚ former Chief of Fairfield Fire Department‚ Rose and several other family members took great pride in serving their local communities on the fire department.

Rose was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a life member of the ladies auxiliary for Amvets Post 2. She also served the Board of Elections year after year as a Poll worker.

Rose passed away Friday morning‚ July 28‚ 2006‚ when she lost control of her vehicle on the way to another auto accident. The funeral procession of more than 100 emergency vehicles and 300 personal cars was an awesome tribute to a wonderful woman. She touched so many lives that more than 1‚000 people surrounded the funeral home for her visitation.

Her love of family‚ service to the community‚ and generosity are sorely missed.