Rose Brent

Rose Brent, age 97, died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes on November 21, 2020. She was born in Detroit to Albert and Mary Bem. Rose had 3 brothers and 4 sisters all of whom predeceased her. She had many enjoyable memories from her childhood including working in the family candy store, going dancing and serving as editor of the St Casimir High School newspaper. Her love of, and adeptness with, words, remained a part of her life to the end. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, play Boggle or just assist her children throughout life with spelling and correct word usage. Rose attended St. Casimir with Mitchell, her future husband, who due to the war proposed over the phone prior to being shipped out! They were married May 7, 1944 and shared 21 years of life prior to his death in 1965. Rose never remarried, or even dated, but instead devoted herself to raising her 4 children- Philip (Mary) Brent, Christopher (the late Paula) Brent, Geralyn Benedict and Kathleen (Dean) Borso. She was a woman strong in her Catholic faith and used all of the graces and blessings derived from that to model for her children the Christian virtues of love, kindness, generosity, gratitude and most of all a joyful heart! Rose was a person who always looked for the best in everyone. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and a streak of sassiness that kept her from being sainted while on earth. She was extremely tolerant and interested in new things. Her home was the neighborhood hangout because Rose was fun and the kids knew they would be accepted as they were. She encouraged not only her own children to learn, grow and find their own way, but also any neighborhood soul who felt lost. Children, siblings, nieces, nephews, grandkids, great grandkids and friends-all benefitted from her great heart and anyone who knew her was a better and happier person because of it. Rose raised her children and in due time she indulged herself with a little travel and other fun pursuits. She visited Toronto and Hawaii and also made a religious pilgrimage to Europe, seeing Lourdes and Fatima among other places. She traveled with her daughter Kathie to business conferences and got to enjoy Dallas, Las Vegas and Washington DC. Closer to home Rose took pleasure in live theater, concerts and eating out at high end restaurants, especially with son Phil and his wife Mary. She loved visiting Cotswold Cottage at Greenfield Village for high tea, compliments of daughter Gerri, and being part of the action when she saw son Chris perform with his musical groups. Rose retired from ReNu Tool at 65 and after a few years decided it was time to leave Detroit. She moved to Brooklyn, MI to live with Kathleen and her husband Dean and was of immeasurable assistance while their family was young and growing. Ten years later she decided to strike out on her own and moved into an apartment complex in Dearborn Heights. She made many friends there and enjoyed outings and working at the “showcase”. Rose lived at her apartment until August of 2015 at which time she needed assistance. Phil and Mary opened their home to her and she stayed with them until February of 2016. Then it was back to Brooklyn until February 2020 when she transitioned to the caring hands at Garden Estates in Jackson for more specialized care. Rose is survived by 10 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Rose Bem Brent - Matriarch, the last of her generation of the Bem clan. Beloved Daughter, Sibling, Mother, Grandmother, Great & Great Great Grandmother. Her smile and cheerfulness lit up rooms. Her humor made you laugh out loud. Her approval warmed your heart & comforted you. Her presence made the world a better place. Rose’s life was a blessing to all who knew her. She is deeply mourned by all who have lost her. We love you Mom. We love you Meema. Visitation is Tuesday, December 1st 2-8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 980 N. Newburgh Road (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill) Westland. Rosary services will be held at 7 PM. Rose will be lying in state Wednesday, December 2nd at 9:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 17650 W. Outer Drive, Dearborn. Interment is graveside at St. Hedwig Cemetery following Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anselm Church, St. Anselm School or Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt. Elliot Street, Detroit, MI 48207. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we will not be able to partake in the customary post funeral gathering. We will however have a celebration of life as soon as we are able. Rose always enjoyed a good party!

Rose Brent

June 5, 1923 - November 21, 2020