Obituary: Rose Sakel

Born in New Brunswick, Rose Sakel passed away in her home on May 29, 2013.  She was the daughter of Thomas and Despina (Kostas) Balsamides and the mother of Geoffrey Sakel and Stacy Sakel Walters.

Her passion for life lead her to many accomplishments.

As an artist, she has had many one woman exhibitions and taught art lessons.  She owned an art gallery in Long Beach Island where her own work was showcased as well as the artwork of other local artists.

Being civic minded she crusaded the effort and fought to save over 1,000 acres commonly known as “Jamesburg Park,” the northernmost point of the Pine Barrens.  This land recharges the Old Bridge Sands, which is part of the largest underground water source for the country.  After a 10 year struggle the result was the purchase of the acreage by the county which has been preserved in its natural state to date.

She was co-founder and past president of the East Brunswick Garden Club, and was a national horticultural/flower show judge. She was a co-founder and past president of the East Brunswick Historical Society.  She was the founder and first president of the East Brunswick Taxpayers Association. 

She was a member of the Tri-State Citizens Advisory Committee, the Transportation Coordinating Committee for Middlesex County, and the East Brunswick Arts Council.

Her efforts and accomplishments resulted in numerous awards throughout the years:  The Thomas Cooke Award, National Outstanding Leadership in Conservation Award, Jaycees Citizen of the Year, the United States EPA Certificate of Appreciation to name a few. 

But, her lifelong devotion was to her church.  At St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church she served endless hours, not only as a member but a church board trustee, singing in the choir, a member of the Daughters of Penelope and the Philoptochos Society.

She is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Despins (Kostas) Balsamides and her sister, Agnes Balsamides. 

She is survived by her former husband, George Sakel; son Geoffrey Sakel and wife Constance; daughter Stacy Sakel Walters; brothers Michael Balsamides and Emanuel Balsamides; sisters Angeline Markus and Marie Achaves; grandchildren Patricia Sakel Farley and husband Brandon, John Sakel, Illaina Walters Panyko and husband Christopher, Christos Walters; and great grandchildren Isaiah Perez and Christina Panyko.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Rezem Funeral Home, 457 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Service at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Perth Amboy. 

Interment will follow at Alpine Cemetery, Perth Amboy.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, where a Parastas Service will be held at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 41-47 Wisteria Blvd., Perth Amboy, NJ  08861.

For information, directions or to send condolences to family, visit www.rezemfh.com