Obituary of Rose W. Lightcap

Rose Wilma Lightcap entered her eternal home in the Kingdom of her Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 18, 2023 surrounded by her beloved daughter Sheila and her much loved son-in-law Bob. Rose was a gentle, compassionate and caring person. This was evident in the way she led her life. She touched many people along the way with her kindness and generosity.

Rose was born to Susie and Szandor Levay in Holden, W.V. on February 23, 1925. Her family moved to Oxford, NJ when Rose was a child and then to a farm in Harmony Township. She lived in Harmony Township for the rest of her years.

Rose’s family operated a dairy farm but also raised chickens, pigs and goats. Rose was especially fond of the goats. Rose worked hard on the farm along with her parents and siblings. Every morning she and her brother had to milk cows and take the milk by horse and wagon to deliver it to the Hartung’s farm before they went to school. She graduated from Belvidere High School in 1943.

Rose married Isaac Lightcap on June 22, 1947. They had two daughters, Sandra and Sheila. Rose and Ike were married for 39 years. Rose and Ike loved their daughters dearly and would do anything for them. Rose was also blessed with two grandchildren, Kyle and Kirsten and many nieces and nephews whom she loved and cherished.

Rose was a hard worker all her life. She was employed by Magnetic Windings, Grant’s Department Store, and IMCO Container Company where she had worked for many years. She first started as a machine operator and progressed to the decorating department and as a quality control inspector. Later she became a shipping supervisor and was one of only a few women who operated the forklift. After retiring she volunteered and then was employed by Manpower, working at the Warren County Nutrition Centers in Phillipsburg and Knowlton. She retired from the Nutrition Centers several years ago, but then started participating in the Simple Quilts program at the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere. She enjoyed this immensely and made very good friends with Ann, Ginny, and her “partner in crime”, Judy.

Rose loved her flowers and gardening. She was forever outside planting different types of flowers and trees and spent countless hours weeding the gardens. She loved animals and there were always dogs and cats at her home. In her elder years her dogs Tiny and Rusty provided her with much love and companionship.

Rose loved to travel. She made trips to the Canadian Rockies, Jerusalem and Egypt where she rode a camel. She also visited France and Alaska and other places within the United States.

Rose was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere and the Order of the Eastern Star, Warren Chapter where she served as both an officer and Worthy Matron.

For the last several years, Rose was cared for in her home by her daughter Sheila and son-in-law Bob. She also had sweet and loving caregivers, Judy and Kaitlyn, whom she loved and shared many stories of her childhood.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Sandra Beamsderfer and her husband Steve of Sunrise, FL; her daughter, Sheila Valentine and her husband Bob of Harmony Twp., NJ; grandson, Kyle Beamsderfer and his wife Rebecca of Denver, CO; granddaughter, Kirsten Pelosi and her husband Nick of Sunrise, FL; sister, Barbara Wright  of Charleston, WV; many nieces and nephews.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Isaac; sister, Emma Dagostine; and brother, Alex Levi.

Friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Wednesday. November 29, 2023, at the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, 224 Mansfield Street, Belvidere, NJ. Followed by an Eastern Star Service and Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the Belvidere Cemetery, Belvidere, NJ.

Those who wish, may make contributions in Rose's memory to Harmony Township Volunteer Fire Company or Common Sense for Animals.