Rose Philomena Chalupa

Rose P. Chalupa, a long time resident of El Paso , passed from this life on Sunday morning, November 20, 2011, after a long and difficult battle with breast cancer. She was 63. Mrs. Chalupa was born Rose Maguire on February 22, 1948 to Charles and Margaret Maguire in the Bronx, New York . She graduated St. Barnabas H.S., in 1966 and earned a scholarship to attend nursing school. She graduated with the diploma of registered nurse from St. Claire’s Hospital School of Nursing, New York City in 1968. Rose worked as an emergency room nurse in several large municipal hospitals before deciding to further her studies. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Herbert H. Lehman College from which she graduated Cum Laude. She was contemplating pursuing a career in Medicine when she met her future husband, Orest A. Chalupa, and decided instead to help him with his career, and to be the best possible spouse and nurse. The couple wed in February 1984 and moved to El Paso the following year. Rose worked at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. After a few years, Rose ascended to the level of a Charge Nurse for the unit. During her tenure she was a role model and mentor for many of her colleagues, both nurses and physicians. Deteriorating health finally forced Rose to reluctantly relinquish her beloved nursing profession and retire from her career. At her retirement she was awarded the Department of the Army’s Superior Civilian Service Award. Mrs. Chalupa is survived by her husband Dr. Orest Chalupa; sisters, Mary Reddy and Theresa Maguire; brothers, Charles, Patrick, and James Maguire; and extended family. Visitation: 5-9pm Vigil: 7pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, November 30, 2011 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. In accordance with Mrs. Chalupa’s wishes, in lieu of flowers a small donation may be made to Our Lady of Assumption.