Rose Matijevich

October 5, 1926 - March 1, 2020

Rose Matijevich, 93 years young, left this earth and transitioned to a wonderful new life to be reunited with loving family on Sunday, March 1, 2020. She was born October 5, 1926, the daughter of Croatian immigrants, Mike and Anna (nee Strmotich) Matijevich. Rose from a young age was always caring for her parents and siblings when they got sick and fulfilled her calling by studying nursing with the sisters of St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan. She was the right-hand nurse of Dr. Stanul for many years and then moved on to Lake Forest Hospital where she served for decades as an orthopedic nurse. Rose was a favorite of Dr. Ganshirt and Dr. Berger, who were great people and had wonderful things to say about Rose’s nursing bedside manner and diligent work. Dr. Ganshirt honored Rose with an outstanding service award from Lake Forest Hospital for her many years of dedicated service at a luncheon at Shore Acres Country Club. Rose was a skilled, loving caregiver for her father who died from cancer. She cared for her dying mother 24 hours a day and in her later years was a God-send for her compassionate, painstaking care of her Alzheimer’s stricken sister Kay and her sister Mary who both died in the early 2000’s. What a tireless well/spring of skilled care and love was Rose, always giving. Rose enjoyed attending the Tamburitzans Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 848 of which she was a lifetime member. She is survived by her nephew and caregiver, Robert Matijevich of Gurnee; nephew, Michael (Natasha) VanDyke of Atlanta, Georgia; niece, Ann (John) Walin of Chicago; beloved great niece and great nephews, Kristina, Jack, Alex, Devin and John; friend and cousin, Elizabeth Peshut. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Anna; sisters, Kay, Mary and Fran; brothers, Louis and John and nephew, David VanDyke. Thank you to all Heartland Hospice nurses especially Meechie and Beckie. We don’t know what we would have done without their caring, support and expertise. As per Rose's wishes a private ceremony and sprinkling of her ashes on the grounds of Lake Forest Hospital will take place later this spring. In Lieu of flowers donations in her name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Peterson and Patch Funeral Home of Waukegan. Please sign our guest book at www.waukeganfunerals.com