Rosina K. Mascolo, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, Saturday evening, August 16, 2025, in Spearfish, SD. She was 88 years old.

Born on November 16, 1936, in her family's home in Steger, Illinois, Rosina was the daughter of Rosina Bauer Gerich and Jacob Gerich. She grew up in a spirited home filled with siblings, stories, and strong values that stayed with her throughout her life.

In 1956, she graduated from Tarpon High School in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where she was an active member of the school community and a proud member of the cheerleading team. That same year, on July 21, she married Victor Alfred Mascolo. Together, they shared a full and faithful life, raising a large family grounded in love and resilience.

Rosina was the devoted mother of seven children: Cathy Taffora (Steger, IL), Becky Eisenbraun (Hill City, SD), Gwendolyn Heathershaw and her husband Marty (Beaumont, CA), Victor "Buddy" Mascolo (deceased), Holly Hansen and her husband Wyatt (Spearfish, SD), John Mascolo and his wife Sheila (Dwight, IL), and Nick Mascolo and his wife Rebecca (Reddick, IL). Her legacy continues through 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren—each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosina and Jacob Gerich; her husband Victor; her beloved son Buddy; and her brothers Andrew Fridrich, Frank Fridrich, John Gerich, and Jack Gerich. She is survived by her sister Eva Nelson and brother Lawrence Gerich.

Rosina was the quiet strength at the heart of her family. She had a remarkable way of making others feel safe and seen, whether through conversation, a warm smile, or simply sitting nearby in understanding silence. Her kindness was steady, her presence calming, and her love unwavering.

Rosina always liked the following quote: "Life is a gift from God. What you choose to do with it is a gift to God."

Rosina lived that belief every day. She gave her gift fully, through her gentleness, her strength, her humor, and the deep devotion she poured into her family. Her love will continue to echo in every life she touched.

Even in her final days, she reminded us that the connections we hold with one another are what matters most. Whether through a shared memory, a prayer, or a simple message of love, those connections continue. Rosina's legacy lives in each of them, a reminder that even in leaving this world, she is still giving love.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be held at the family farm in Reddick, Illinois. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.

Cremation arrangements were under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.