Rosa Artus' Obituary
Rosa (Rosita) Artus, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 4th, in her Palm Harbor Florida home. Rosita was born in Costa Rica, Central America and moved to the United States following the death of her first husband, Antonio Mora in 1948. Upon coming to New Orleans, Louisiana, she met and married Henry Artus. They were married for 61 years until his death in 2012. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Palm Harbor, Florida. Before the Covid 19 pandemic, she faithfully attended daily mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin where she was a member of the Circle of Joy.
Rosita’s Catholic Faith was central to everything in her life. At St. Maria Goretti Parish in New Orleans, she served the Church in numerous capacities including sacristan and Altar Society member. In recognition of her efforts she was awarded the Order of St. Louis Medallion by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Following Hurricane Katrina, she moved to Lacombe, LA where she became an active member of St. John of the Cross Parish, continuing to attend daily mass and helping out with the Ladies Guild and other parish activities. Rosita had special devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Padre Pio.
For many years, Rosita assisted her husband in his accounting business. An accomplished seamstress, she later had her own dressmaking business designing and producing wedding gowns and other formal wear. She was very active in her children’s education activities. She also served as an officer and member of the Lake Forest and Pines Village Garden Clubs.
Rosita is survived by her children, Aylie Artus Boitmann (Bob), John Artus (Consuelo) and Gretchen Artus Chaplain (Steve); her grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Marx (Chris), Daniel and Lisa Artus; her great grandchildren Justin and Ryan Marx and her brother Carlos(Flora) and sisters Alicia and Tere(Daniel) and many nieces and nephews.
Mass will be celebrated on Friday August 13th, 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin, Florida. Rosita will be interred with her husband Henry in Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 10:00 am.
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