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Celebrating the Life of Mary Rose
Devoted Wife, Beloved Mother, Faithful Servant, Godly Friend, and Joyful Soul
Sunrise: July 20, 1966 Sunset: April 24, 2025
With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Mary Rose, a devoted wife, extraordinary mother, cherished friend, and unwavering woman of faith, who was called home to be with her Savior on April 24, 2025.
Mary Rose (Wenzel) was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to a loving home filled with adventure, faith, and laughter. From a young age, she radiated a fierce strength and compassion that would come to define her life. A woman of deep faith, Mary gave her heart to Jesus Christ early on and served her Savior faithfully until her very last breath. Her faith wasn’t just spoken—it was lived out every day through kindness, service, and unconditional love.
Mary’s life was defined by many things, but one of the most extraordinary was her deep and enduring love for her soulmate and childhood sweetheart, Jim. They met as schoolmates when they were quite young, two small-town kids who saw something sacred in each other from the very beginning. As the time to move off to college approached, it was clear their hearts had chosen. They were engaged to be married as college sophomores and married several weeks after graduation. They have walked hand-in-hand through 36 years of unwavering love. Theirs wasn’t just a good marriage—it was a deep-soul, once-in-a-lifetime love that inspired everyone who witnessed it. Jim adored Mary with a kind of reverence that never faded. She was his anchor, his best friend, his reason to smile. And Mary loved Jim with a loyalty and passion that was fierce, selfless, and joyful.
Through every season of life—from raising their four boys, to building their home together, and weathering life’s inevitable hardships—Mary and Jim held fast to each other and to the God who brought them together. Their love was the kind that danced in the kitchen on an ordinary weekday night, exchanged handwritten notes, and diligently prayed together before every decision, big or small. They never once stopped growing towards each other. Jim would often say, “I’m traveling along in life with the world’s greatest person,” and anyone who saw them together knew it to be true.
Mary was a proud and fiercely loving mother of four sons—Jacob, Jonathan, Joshua, and Joseph. To her boys, she was a guiding light, a comforting presence, a constant source of wisdom, and a wonderful teacher. Her greatest desire was not that they would be successful in the world’s eyes, but that they would walk closely with God. Through every storybook read, every scraped knee, every late-night prayer, and every proud cheer from the stands, she showed them what it meant to love without limits.
Mary had a servant’s heart. She could often be found volunteering at school, providing meals for friends, or sitting quietly with someone who simply needed to be heard. She never sought the spotlight, but her life illuminated the path of Christ in ways words never could. She lit up a room, influenced many in their faith and was a beauty beyond measure. To be in her presence was a privilege. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel like they were special and understood.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and know that Mary now rests in the presence of her Heavenly Father, hearing the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We will walk with her together again on the streets of The Golden City, singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb”.
Mary is survived by her husband Jim Rose and sons Jacob Rose, Jonathan (Lauren) Rose, Joshua Rose and Joseph (Sophia) Rose. In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Paul (MaryJo) Wenzel, Dan (Karen) Wenzel, Joe (Julie) Wenzel; her in-laws, Kelly (Phil) Pierner, Jennifer (Steve) Styczynski, and Adam Rose (Stacie) as well as special family members Diane Wenzel, Susie Wenzel, Bill (Diana) Rose, and Mary Thompson.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents Jim & Jean Wenzel, her sister Jenni Schmidt (Wenzel), and her in-laws Jim & Patricia Rose.
Life Celebration for Mary Rose
Date: Sunday May 4
Greater Atlanta Christian School
Performing Arts Center
1575 Indian Trail Road
Norcross, GA 30093
Use second entrance off Indian Trail Road
Park in the GAC Stadium Parking lot
Visitation will occur 1:30pm – 2:45pm
Celebration of Life begins at 3:00pm
In lieu of flowers, The Rose Family’s wish is for support to be given to Greater Atlanta Christian School. The funds will be used to support the areas closest to their hearts – Bible studies, Christian life, and Athletics. Please use the following link:
https://www.greateratlantachristian.org/support-gac/make-a-gift
In designation, please select “In Memory of Mary Rose”
Linda Schoepf says
This has hit me hard, Mary was a true light in this world. She will be greatly missed. Lots of love and prayers to Jim and all the special sons in Mary’s life. I am unable to make the service due to travel. Sending a big hug to all who are grieving the loss of Mary.
Michelle Dickinson says
My deepest condolences. Mary was a beautiful soul. Always with a smile and kind words. I always admired what a wonderful mother and faithful person she was. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kendra Grant says
I was saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. I enjoyed seeing her at the gym and talking about football every now and then. She was so kind to everyone and will be missed. Condolences to her family.
Susan Lowenstein says
Mary, you will be missed. Our paths crossed often. Mary was a staple in Joanna Jones’ Total Conditioning class at LifeTime Fitness. She put us all to shame – a physical fitness role model! Mary and Jim opened their beach house to Taco Tuesdays at Rosemary…. literally everyone was invited & of course it was packed. It was Marys way. And in all my volunteer activities at GAC, Mary was a constant! Although I have daughters and Mary sons—our lives intertwined. Her passion for the boys, the school, and life are an example to us all. Rest in peace Mary and we’re praying for you, Jim, and the boys. You’ve left your mark and will never be forgotten,
Katherine Malone says
Jim and boys this breaks my heart for you all. We all loved and adored Mary and she will be missed as she has touched so many hearts throughout her life! Sending you all much love and prayers of comfort.
Love the Malone Family
Laura Ellard says
My sweet Mary, you were always there to encourage me and show me the way of football life. You loved well and we loved by many. I will miss knowing that I might bump into you. See you again one day!
Vanessa Nelson says
My deepest condolences to her wonderful husband, sons, daughters in love, siblings, family and friends. This is so shocking. Mary was as sweet as a Rose! She was kind to everyone and so funny. She loved the Lord, life, laughter and those wonderful men in her life!! We had the best times with women’s bible study and GACS football! She’ll be sorely missed. 🙏🏽💔😢🌹
Christine Clark says
“I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You and your husband were always such a beautiful example of faith, love, and family. I will always remember the joy you shared — raising four talented young men, loving the Lord, and spreading kindness wherever you went. Your beautiful smile and the warmth of your hearts touched so many. Please know I am praying for comfort, strength, and peace for your family during this difficult time.”
Deb Murphy says
A piece of my heart broke when I heard of Mary’s passing. We became the best of friends in sixth grade. If we weren’t on the phone for hours, I was spending time over at the Wenzel compound. I could never begin to count the laughs we shared. Even though we didn’t see each other much after high school, every time we did it was like no time had passed. I loved receiving the annual Christmas photo of the beautiful family she and Jim created. I cannot begin to fathom their pain, but I know Mary is with her Heavenly father and I can only imagine how excited Jenni, Jim and Jeanie were to greet her at the gates of Heaven. My prayers to all of her friends and family. Mary was a special and beautiful person inside and out.
Robin Hensley, GAC says
Mary was such a bright light! I remember her willingness to volunteer when the boys were in elementary school – whatever we needed she was there to help, support, and encourage. She radiated joy, happiness, and kindness. I am truly glad to have known her – she lives on in her wonderful sons, and in all the lives she touched.
Lisa Wright says
Jim & boys, we are so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Our hearts go out to you all during this difficult time. The memories of Mary from BPHS are numerous, from sports to sleepovers, the Wenzel family sure knew how to make friends feel at home. Praying for Gods comfort and peace and that you find strength in your faith and Christian community.
With deepest sympathy,
Steve and Lisa Wright
Patti Lewis says
Jim ,
I am so saddened to hear of your profound loss. Sending hugs and prayers to the Rose family .
James Wiley says
All of us at Life Time Sugarloaf were truly saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Our staff felt the loss deeply, as she was not only an active and dedicated member for over 15 years, but also someone who brought kindness and warmth into our space. The sadness we feel speaks volumes about the kind of person she was—genuine, inspiring, and deeply respected by everyone who knew her. She will be missed more than words can express.
With heartfelt sympathy,
James Wiley on behalf of Life Time Sugarloaf
Doug and Beth Maki says
To Jim Rose Jr., your kids, the wider Rose and Wenzel families, we were saddened to read about Mary’s passing. Lynn and I remember her well from our childhood. Then, I read her tribute that captured this occasion as a celebration of her Christian life, rather and beyond the current sadness. JIm, few engineers follow the faith-driven path that you and your family have embraced. You did. As I wrote to my Mom and Sister a few moments ago, the Genesis of Mary’s faith I first noticed when her Mom was taking me home from a Bay View football practice, speaking so openly and admiringly of Mary’s and your faith. The Maki’s pray that you will celebrate Mary’s time here. Her soul remains. Take care, Jim.
Jean Morris says
Mary , Will be missed at the gym she played
Pickleball she was a nice person