Rose (Bianchi) Cutone, 96, a lifelong resident of Deep River, passed away suddenly on April 3 at Middlesex Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of the late A. Richard Cutone, who died in 2002. Rose was born in Deep River, daughter of the late Battista and Giovanna (Espositi) Bianchi.

During WWII, she was “Rosie the Riveter,” working in Essex at a factory making airplane parts. She survived the 1938 hurricane while working at Bill Hahn’s Resort in Westbrook; she still remembered being pulled to safety. In later years, Rose and Dick loved to travel. One of their favorite trips was back to Italy, where they visited their family’s birthplaces in Florence, Rome, and the Lake Regions. Other trips were made to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Florida. Rose was also a great cook, nurturer, caregiver, gardener, Red Sox fan, and UCONN women’s basketball fan. Over many years Rose took great care of her family, cooking dinner every day up until her death.

She is survived by her daughters Rosemary L. Cutone of Deep River and Randolph, Massachusetts, Betty Altomare and her husband William of Higganum, nieces Nancy Warren of San Antonio, Texas, Anna and Carl Abel of East Haddam, nephew; James Baldoni of Hamden, cousin Louis Fiorelli of Old Saybrook, and the Bartolini family in Massachusetts. Rose was predeceased by her sisters Julia Baldoni, Mary Bagnesi, Ann Bower, and her nephew David Bagnesi.

Her Mass of Christian burial was held on April 7 at St. Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Ave., Chester, at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Fountain Hill Cemetery. Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, was in charge of arrangements. Donations in Rose’s name would be greatly appreciated by the Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 734, Clinton, CT 06413. To share a memory of Rose, please visit rwwfh.com.