Rose (Nonna) (Rosa Maria Giallanza) Houseman
Rose (Nonna) (Rosa Maria Giallanza) Houseman (1934 - 2025)
A beloved child care provider, school teacher, devoted community volunteer, pillar of Saint John the Evangelist Church, and neighborhood matriarch, Rose passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2025, with family members by her side.
After spending decades raising her own eight children, Rose spent many years as a kind and patient school teacher who nurtured her students. She dedicated countless hours to her community, including the Hudson food pantry, Nashua soup kitchen, the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Rainbow Seekers, and the Hudson Historical Society, where she always offered grace and warmth. She served as a Catholic Youth group leader, and was a member of both the Catholic Daughters and the Women’s Guild. Her faith was grounded in her fellowship at Saint John the XXIII (Previously John the Evangelist) Church. She spent many years as the Sacristan at St. Johns, leading the bereavement committee, running the Bingo nights alongside her husband Ronald, and serving as a Eucharistic minister for those who could no longer make it to Mass.
For many years, she was the neighborhood matriarch, watching over all the local children, celebrating their successes, and holding them accountable when needed, always with a firm love that shaped their character.
In 1954, she married Ronald D. Houseman, who passed away on August 31, 2002. Their partnership laid the foundation for love and devotion that is now shared by their extended family.
She is survived by her eight children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who carry on her legacy.
Her children and their families survive Rose: Rose Anne Houseman; Renee Houseman, her son Ronald Houseman, and grandson Luther Houseman; Ronald Houseman, his wife Robin, and son Nicholas; Robert Houseman, his wife Michelle Rafalowski, their daughter Hannah, her husband Austin Colcord and their son Theo; and their daughter Zoe; Rachel Houseman, her husband Rick Chan, and their children Zachariah and Isabella; Regina Beals, her husband Steven, and their children Ethan, Erin, Emma, and Evan; Randal Houseman, his wife Meredith, and their children Lindsey and Quinn; Rae Ellen Houseman and her wife, Ashley Hicks.
Over the past decade, Rose was lovingly supported by her children and grandchildren, who helped her with appointments, shopping, and caring for her home. In recent years, she was especially blessed to have her granddaughter Isabella living with her. The two became inseparable companions, sharing quiet moments, laughter, and deep love. Bella remained faithfully by her side, day and night, offering comfort and care until Rose’s final moments. Additionally, Rose spent her days with her loyal cat, Oreo, who Bella and Rose adopted in 2019 and was a constant companion and source of comfort.
Predeceased by her husband, Ronald D. Houseman, Rose’s legacy endures through generations of loving family who embody her values of compassion, accountability, and dedication.
The Houseman family extends heartfelt gratitude to all caregivers and friends who supported Rose like she was a member of their own family throughout her entire life.
A funeral Mass will be held according to her wishes on Monday July 7th at St. Kathryn’s Catholic Church, 4 Dracut Road in Hudson, NH at 11:00am. Family will receive guests during a visitation hour at church that will begin at 10:00am as well as at a luncheon following the Mass in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her memory to Saint John the XXIII Church or the Presentation of Mary School’s scholarship fund. To share an online message of condolence please visit www.dumontsullivan.com The Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home in Hudson is in charge of arrangements.