Weber City, Va.-Rose Marie Baert, 82, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Heritage Hall in Big Stone Gap, Va.
She was born in Bernardston, Massachusetts, the oldest child of Walter E. and Josephine B. (Searles) Gmyrek. The family moved to North Miami Beach in the late 1950’s where she graduated from North Miami High School. She entered the Nursing profession, ultimately earning her RN from Miami-Dade College. She worked in many different fields within nursing including surgery, oncology, and physical rehabilitation. She ended her career with the Archdiocese of Miami hospitals.
Rose was an avid traveler, both within the United States and internationally. The highlight of her travels was touring China with a team of other nursing professionals, studying Chinese hospitals. She was an voracious reader and was a soft touch for any cat or dog needing a home.
She was proceeded in death by her parents and her younger brother Walter Gmyrek Jr. she is survived by her daughter Cristina Joanne Rodriguez and grandchildren Kaylee, Michael, and Ashley Rodriguez; step-daughter, Cindy Johansen; brothers Lt. Col. Edward W. Gmyrek (USAF ret.) and Daniel P. Gmyrek; Uncle Joseph Gmyrek and cousins Lynne Weston, Colynne Kelly, and Nancy Place.
There are no memorial services planned and inurnment will be in the Searles family plot in Brattleboro, VT alongside her parents & grandparents at a later date to be determined. Donations in her memory can be made to any no-kill animal shelter.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory of Big Stone Gap, Va. are honored to serve Ms. Baert’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.