Rose Marie Fochler

August 4, 1936-April 28, 2024

Rose Marie Fochler, 87, Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, peacefully passed away Sunday morning at Garvey Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Pittsburgh, the daughter of the late Harry L. and Rosella (Breinig) Gerstbrein.

Rose Marie married Dr. Francis Fochler on June 25, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years; three sons: Paul Fochler (Paula) of Hollidaysburg, Carl Fochler (Amy) of Waxhaw, NC, Edward Fochler (Jennine) of Forest Hill, MD; a daughter, Kathleen Piwko (Bob) of Sparta, NJ; twelve grandchildren; a brother, Thomas Gerstbrein of New Berlin, WI and a sister, Joan Weston of Hollidaysburg.

Rose Marie was a 1954 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and a 1956 graduate of Mount Aloysius Junior College, where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

She was a board-certified Medical Technologist in her early career, before taking over as the manager of her husband’s medical office and staff for 25 years. In that role, she became skilled in financial work and was extremely interested in stocks and business matters. Rose Marie read the Wall Street Journal daily for most of her adult life and one of her favorite shows was Wall Street Week on PBS.

Devoted to her catholic faith, she was a longtime member of St. Rose of Lima parish, serving on many committees, including the Finance Committee, Christian Mothers Guild, the choir and as a Eucharistic Minister. One of the roles that meant the most to her was her involvement in preparing adults to join the Catholic church through the RCIA Program. When she and her husband closed their medical office, she completed courses in Lay Ministry and Lay Leadership and had served on the Commission on the Laity. Rose Marie also trained to serve as a Tribunal Advocate for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. In 2003, she was recognized for her service to the Diocese and was awarded the Prince Gallitzin Cross.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family asks that contributions be made in Rose Marie’s memory to: Garvey Manor Benevolent Care Fund, 1037 S. Logan Blvd., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.