Rose "Rosie" M. Zejewski

Rose "Rosie" Marie Zejewski, 79, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026. Born on September 25, 1946, in Aiken, she was the daughter of the late James Haskell and Chlorine Thompson Stiefel. A lifelong resident of the Aiken community, Rose Marie was a woman of quiet strength, deep devotion, and unwavering love for her family.

Ms. Zejewski was a graduate of St. Angela Academy and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken. In her earlier years, she worked at the local credit bureau in Aiken, balancing her responsibilities through high school, marriage, and college with diligence and grace. She went on to teach first grade at Ridge Spring Elementary School for four years, where she touched the lives of many young students with her kindness and patience.

Above all, Rosie cherished her role as a mother. Following the birth of her daughter, Ashley, she devoted herself fully to her family, often saying that motherhood was her greatest blessing. Her home was filled with warmth and music, and she found joy in baking, singing, shopping, traveling, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. In her later years, Rosie developed a deep and meaningful connection with her Catholic faith. She found comfort and purpose in prayer, especially through the rosary, and spent time studying and growing in her spiritual life. Ms. Zejewski was a faithful member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her devotion to her family, and the quiet faith that guided her throughout her life.

Surviving are her daughter, Stephanie Lee (Yuk Kwan Philip); grandchildren, Jonathon, Jacob, Vivian, and Jude Patrick Lee; brothers, Karl E. Stiefel (Julie) and Darrell Mark Stiefel; niece, Victoria Ann Stiefel; nephews, Darrell Mark Jr., Patrick, and Robert Stiefel; great-niece and nephews, Karlee, Alex, and Christopher Stiefel; and a aunt, Judy Thompson. Ms. Zejewski is also survived by many friends and extended family members. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Ashley Marie; father of her children, Edward E. Zejewski; and a nephew, Karl Franklin Stiefel.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 until 6 o'clock on Sunday, April 12th, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home – Aiken Chapel, with a rosary being recited at 6 o'clock. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 o'clock on Monday, April 13th, at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, with Father Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Clare's Home, https://stclareshomesc.flocknote.com/give/31937, or to Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, https://aikentdc.org/. 

The family kindly asks that those attending wear blue attire in honor of the Blessed Mother and Ms. Rose Marie.