Delphine Mckerney- Rose

Delphine “Del” McKerney-Rose passed away May 24th, 2022, after a tenacious battle against a devastating and sudden auto-immune disease. Del fought fiercely until it was her time to return home. She wanted to remain with her friends and family and her will to battle onward was strong. She is now at peace with the love of her life, Scott Rose.

Delphine McKerney-Rose is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Rose, Kimberly (Nathan) Rupp, and Jennifer Rose; her brother, Steve McKerney; her two grandchildren, Genevieve Rupp and William Rupp; and her aunt, Delphine Rogalla. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward Rogalla, Betty McKerney, and William McKerney; her husband, Scott Rose; and her sister Barbara.

Del was born to Betty (Nelson) McKerney and Edward Rogalla February 13th, 1953, in Fargo, ND. Betty later remarried the love of her life William “Bill” McKerney who raised Del like she was his own daughter. The family traveled frequently due to the military and ultimately ended up in Tacoma, Washington. Del moved to Denver, Colorado to attend college at Colorado Women’s College (now University of Denver). She received a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and worked in Denver for a period of time.

During her time in Denver she was set up on a blind date with Scott Rose through mutual friends Gail and Bruce Benson. The date was a success and they married on May 31st, 1980. They moved to Colorado Springs to start their lives together. They had three daughters that they raised with love, patience, and never ending support.

Del returned to work at Holy Apostles preschool when all the daughters were in full time school. She taught classes and worked with the administration. Her final year she acted as interim director where she helped keep the program alive while also caring for Scott in his final months.

Del’s heart for caregiving cannot be understated. She was passionate about the local preschool, a full time highly involved mother, a wonderful friend to many, and a doting wife until Scott’s passing in 2018. The term most commonly quoted when spoken of Del is “genuine kindness.” She had many visitors throughout her medical care and it was obvious that her life impacted many.

In her retirement years she finally got to spend time on the things she loved most: her grandchildren, her card making, and her sewing. Her creativity was endless and she was so committed that she devoted her master bedroom to the “craft” room. Her cards brought joy to many and her grandchildren will get to wear handmade one-of-a-kind clothing.

Del’s family would like to thank all of the medical staff at the facilities that helped her battle fiercely these past four months including St.Francis Hospital, Penrose Hospital, the University Hospital in Denver, as well as everyone everywhere praying for Del and her family.

A service will be held honoring the life of Delphine McKerney-Rose on Friday June 10th, 2022 at 10am, at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. All are welcome to attend and a reception will follow downstairs at Holy Apostles.

We ask for your consideration in donating to those helping with early childhood education including Holy Apostles Catholic Church Preschool and Defending the Early Years (dey.org) . We wish to honor Delphine McKerney-Rose’s extraordinary life in which she served others and brought love and joy to many.