Irene Rosalba Mantegari passed away at her home on February 23, with her family by her side.

Rose was born February 23 ^rd , 1930, to Leo J. Garbini and Gemma Matteucci Garbini of Gilroy. Her father was a pioneer flier and mechanical genius who owned and operated Leo's Garage in San Martin for over 30 years. Her mother worked as the bookkeeper of the business while raising two children, Rose, and her brother, Leo Jr.

Rose's grandparents, aunts, and uncles all were Italian immigrants who entered the United States through Ellis Island at the turn of the Century. Settling into the Gilroy area, her family farmed prunes and other produce on many acres of land located along the "Old Hot Springs Road", now known as Leavesley Road.

Rose completed her elementary education at St. Mary's Presentation Academy in 1943 and graduated from Gilroy High School in 1947. She then enrolled at San Jose State College (now SJSU) and in 1952, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences.

Rose began her medical career at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose. While working at O'Connor Hospital, she prepared for and passed the State examination at the University of Berkeley to become a California Licensed Clinical Laboratory Technologist. In 1954, Rose began a new job at Wheeler Hospital in Gilroy.

In 1957, while visiting relatives in Tuscany, Italy, Rose met and fell deeply in love with her future husband and soulmate, Eugenio. After a short courtship, they were married at the Church of San Giovanni Battista, located in Varese Ligure, with the attendance of hundreds of new friends and family. Eugenio and Rose honeymooned touring Italy for over a month, after which they settled in Gilroy to begin their new lives together.

Shortly after arriving in Gilroy, Eugenio worked at his father-in-law's business before becoming employed by San Martin Winery, where he worked for over 37 years. Rose continued to work at Wheeler Hospital for many years until she became an on-call technologist for both the Gilroy Police Department and Morgan Hill Police Department until she retired in 1994.

In her retirement years, Rose enjoyed time with her family, friends and beloved kitty, Max. She continued her education in the medical sciences and studied and passed her license renewal exams for as long as she could, which was an accomplishment of which she was very proud.

Rose was an avid reader and filled her home with hundreds of books. She also enjoyed writing stories and poems about her observations of the natural world. Towards the end of her life, Rose wrote many poems about her experiences with angels. It is our deepest belief that the angels did come for her that day, to help her cross over in peace and finally reunite with all who she had loved and lost in this life.

Rose is survived by her two children, son, Gene Mantegari, daughter, Evon (Francois) Mantegari-Dumesnil, and beloved honorary daughter, Dr. Nancy Fischer.  She leaves behind many relatives and friends in the United States and Italy.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Eugenio, who passed away in 1994.

Rose's final wishes were to be cremated and her urn, as well as the urn of her dearest kitty, Max, laid to rest inside the crypt of her beloved husband, Eugenio.  Together in peace.

As per Rose's wishes, private family services and internment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In memory of Rose and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to - or adopting a pet from - an animal rescue organization or animal shelter that is dearest to your heart.