Haddad, Rose
Rose Haddad passed away peacefully in her home on February 13.
A proud daughter of Lebanese immigrants, she was born to Hannie (Bitar) and Fadlallah Haddad in Chicago. She grew up on the Near West Side, moved to Lockwood Avenue in the 1950’s, and then to Edgebrook.
For many years, Rose worked for Illinois Bell and then as a partner with her brother, Joseph, at Diners Fugazy Travel, until her retirement at the age of 89. She was well known in the industry for her attention to detail, her professionalism, her memory, and above all her kindness to all. She and her brother, Joseph, were members of Our Lady of Lebanon Church and lived in the same house in Edgebrook for 55 years. She enjoyed hosting friends, colleagues, and even recent acquaintances at the Art Institute of Chicago and fine restaurants in the Loop. She was featured in the Chicago Tribune twice for hosting the children of her friends and neighbors, Dr. James and Dorothy Watts, in the Walnut Room at Christmastime. The tradition started when Rose offered to take the Watts’ first son to “see the tree,” and continued for 50+ years, growing to more than fifty people.
Family always came first for Rose, from her beloved brother, Joe, to her niece and nephews, to the extended Watts family, who grew from tenants in her parents’ building to beloved family. Her “family” remembers Rosie as their best fan throughout their lives, and that she was always excited about attending the family’s Sacraments, birthdays, and life celebrations.
Rosie was dedicated to serving the poor. For 15 years, until her retirement at 89, she would leave work early every Tuesday to help prepare a delicious hot meal for Catholic Charities’ Tuesday Night Supper guests, welcoming 130 homeless and hungry guests to the nightly supper. No matter the weather or the time of year, Rosie and her brother, Joe, committed to serve.
Rose was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Khalil, and her friends Dorothy (McHugh) and Dr. James Watts.
Survivors include her brother, Joseph, of Chicago, James (Erin) Watts, Daniel (Maureen) Watts, Marigayle (Patrick) Harrington, Timothy (Debbie) Watts, Katie (Andy) Rauh, Reverend Wayne Watts, Martin (Monique) Watts, Genevieve (Brad) Halloran, and Molly (Walter) Morrissey and the extended Watts family.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 1747 Lake Ave., Wilmette, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 10:15 am, with a funeral Mass immediately following at 11:00am. To view the mass virtually, please go to Saints Joseph-Francis Xavier- YouTube. Internment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago Tuesday Night Supper Program are appreciated at 721 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654.
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