Rose Marie Billhimer

Rose Marie Billhimer, 82, of Beachwood, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The daughter of Reno and Clara Franceschini, Rose was born in Barnesboro, PA. She first built a successful career as a talented beautician, owning and operating her own salon in Washington D.C., before moving to New Jersey with her husband and two sons. She lived in Green Island, in the Silverton section of Toms River before moving to Beachwood.

Rose found a new calling and a second career working with special needs children as a Paraprofessional for Toms River Regional Schools for over 20 years. She poured her heart into those children, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and families.

Beyond her career, Rose lived a life filled with passion, dedication and love. She worked hard to provide for her two sons and she valued family above all else. Rose was known for her warmth and generosity, which shone through her love of cooking. She had a special talent for preparing Italian meals, filling her home with the comforting aroma of her favorite dishes. Her kitchen was not just a place for food, but a place for family, laughter and togetherness. She also had a special fondness for jewelry and perfume – tiny joys that brought her comfort. It was her way of bringing beauty into the everyday.

Rose was most proud of her two sons and was never shy about sharing her joy in their accomplishments. She was also proud of her five grandchildren and her first great-grandson. Known to her grandchildren as the beloved, “Nunny,” she beamed with pride when talking about her hopes for their future success. As she always said, “It’s not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that really matters.”

Rose was a parishioner of St. Joseph RC Church, Toms River. She is predeceased by her parents, Reno and Clara Franceschini, and her ex-husband Joseph L. Billhimer, Sr.

She is survived by her two sons Joseph L. Billhimer, Jr. (wife Terri) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Bradley D. Billhimer (wife Alyn) of Bayville, NJ, her sister Mary Simon, of Greensburg, PA, five grandchildren, Joey, Anthony (wife Maddie), Carley, Mackenzie and Riley, and her great-grandson Benny.

Rose will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 3:00pm – 6:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Joseph RC Church, Toms River.

Rose had a giving heart, freely sharing her time, energy and support with causes close to her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rose’s memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at themmrf.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

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