Rose Marie Kushwara, 84, of Bellefonte, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Wynwood House in State College. Born on December 2, 1941, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Kachik) Kushwara.
Rose Marie was a 1959 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. She furthered her education at Mount Aloysius in 1962 and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1964 from Marywood College. She worked as a music teacher for Duncanon School District for 33 years until her retirement in 1997.
She is survived by her loving cousins, Mary Kay, Rosalie, Susan, Georgina, Christina, Beth, George, Mary Ann Bruno, Cathy Thomas, and Carol Stewart.
Rose Marie was a life member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte, where she sang in the choir. Additionally, she was an active member of the Catholic Daughters. She loved sharing her passion with others through singing and music.
Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, with Father Joshi Narisetti officiating. Burial services will immediately follow in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Bellefonte. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rose Marie to St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, or to St. John’s Catholic School for the music department, 116 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.