Rose Marie (Nonna) Small, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in La Jolla, CA.  She was born on July 2, 1936, in Chicago and preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Rose (Barranco) Portiera, husband Kenneth Small, and treasured daughter, Carrie Rose Small.

Nonna or Rose, as most referred to her, was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Family was the joy of her life. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, prized back scratches, stories and infectious laugh. Rose will truly be missed for these qualities, but will continue to be commemorated through her adoring family.

Rose Marie was the beloved mother to Donna Brown (Kenneth), Gary Small (Teresa) and the late Carrie Small.

Cherished Nonna to Amanda Etheridge (Ryan), Sara Okleshen (Steven), Katie Raspa (Michael), Kenneth Brown (fiancée Emily), Adam Brown, Kenneth Small (fiancée Jordyn) and Abigail Brown (fiancée Ethan).

Great-grandmother, or bisnonna, to twins Audrey and Ava Okleshen, and twins Liam and Luca Etheridge.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 15th at 10:00 am until time of service 12 Noon at Hursen Funeral Home, 4001 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162. Interment will immediately follow at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Hillside, IL.