Rosalie M. Mathias

Rosalie M. Mathias, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday morning, September 1, 2013, following a sudden illness.

Rosalie was born October 19, 1926 in South Bend, a daughter of the late Edward “Frenchy” and Julia (Mayo) Francis.

While still in high school, Rosalie worked at Ball Band on a war time program offered to female senior class members. After graduating from Mishawaka High School in 1944, she entered the permanent work force at the Ball Band Plant as a full time employee where she worked in the Stenographic Department which at that time was a requirement for all new secretaries. Just before the end of World War II, a new department was established called the Foam Pilot Plant headed up by a new superintendent and she was promoted to the position of secretary. After four years, she applied for a job with Cities Service Oil Company (better known as CITGO) as secretary to the Division Manager for the State of Indiana. While at Cities Service, she served as President of the Women’s Doherty Sorority and as Captain of the Women’s Bowling Team. After spending 21 years at Cities Service, a decision was made by the company to close their doors in this area. In 1969, Rosalie applied for a secretarial position at AM General and she served there as secretary to several department heads but ended up with the enviable position of being Administrative Assistant to the Field Service Department with a group of individuals she called “family”. In 2009 she was presented a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of 40 years of service with AM General and she retired in 2011 at the age of 85. During her time at AM General she was a member of the American Business Women’s Charter Chapter and served in the capacity of President, Vice President, and Corresponding Secretary. She was awarded Woman of the Year by her chapter. She served as Campaign Manager for a fellow chapter member and was successful in her nominee being elected to the National level of the organization.

Rosalie was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka.

Rosalie is survived by a younger brother, Franklin (Peggy) Francis of Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her sisters, Dolores Waumans and Dawn Kring; a brother, Bernard “Tiny” Francis; and a niece.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 9, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. (Everyone please meet at the church). Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Friends may spend time with Rosalie’s family on Sunday from 3 - 6 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Donations in Rosalie’s memory may be given to St. Joseph Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.