Rose Marie Pfeiffer
Passed: February 26, 2026
South Charleston, WV
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Rose Marie Pfeiffer
Passed: February 26, 2026
South Charleston, WV
Obituary
ROSE MARIE PFEIFFER (nee’ ROSE) was born on March 12, 1929 in Frederick, Tillman Co, Oklahoma. She died February 26, 2026 at the age of 96.
She came to West Virginia in 1954 and loved this place fiercely.
She’s preceded in death by her husband Roy, her mother Helen, and her father Ernest. Living into old age, she has been preceded by many of her closest friends, who enjoyed her sharp wit and warm heart in book groups and supper clubs.
She accomplished so much: earning a degree in chemistry, teaching public elementary school for migrant farm children in South Texas, and conducting family health surveys for the US Census Bureau and University of Michigan throughout Appalachia in her white pinto. She enjoyed traveling and cherished exploring the world, making friends wherever she went through Puerto Rico, Italy, and the (at the time) U.S.S.R.
An avid reader, Rose Marie devoured books and ideas, developing an astute political consciousness about democratic rights and the freedom to think. She knew how to hold her beliefs gently with people who disagreed and loved people who struggled without pity. She was creative and whimsical, sewing hundreds of original bags and purses she called “Whimsies” that sold throughout Charleston and even at the Greenbrier.
She’s survived by her daughters Melinda DiCarlo and Nancy Skaff. Her son-in-law Don Skaff. Her grandchildren Nicholas DiCarlo (and spouse Daniel Han), Maximus Skaff, Kat Skaff Behnk (and spouse Aaron Behnk), and Sophia Skaff. She has taught us how to survive and we will cherish our memories of her generosity, humor, and stoicism.
A service to honor the life of Rose Marie Pfeiffer will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1105 Quarrier Street in Charleston at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 9, 2026.
We extend our gratitude to Hospice and Mona Harrison who provided such excellent care in her final years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. Christopher Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
1 responses to Rose Marie Pfeiffer
Lisa McCracken says:
March 7, 2026
A joy to all, Rose Marie was a creative feminine force who seemed to never tire. Years ago through my collaborations with Rose Marie and the WV Artists & Craftsman’s Guild, I came to know her boundless creativity, constant drive to get things done, and her delightful sense of humor. My heart goes out to Nancy and her family at this sad and reflective time. With sincere love and sympathy, Lisa McCracken