Rose Thomas

Rose Darlene Gegor, born November 13, 1954, at Prince George’s General Hospital, the eldest daughter of Andrew and Victoria Gegor, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at Silverado Memory Care from complications of dementia. She was 71.

Raised in Prince George’s County alongside four brothers and two sisters, Rose enjoyed a lively, loving childhood. She graduated from Suitland High School in 1972 and earned a degree in secondary education, with a concentration in physical education, from Shepherd College in May 1976. During her college years, Rose was an active and accomplished student. She was a member of Psi Beta Beta Sorority, selected as the Sister of the Year in 1976 and Shepherd’s Homecoming Queen in 1975. She met her future husband, Ed, in the spring of 1976, and the two were inseparable ever since.

In the fall of 1976, Rose began her teaching career as a physical education teacher and coach at LaReine High School, a private Catholic girls’ school in Suitland. She organized the school’s first volleyball team, which went undefeated in its inaugural season and won the Washington Catholic Girls’ Private School Championship-an early reflection of Rose’s passion, dedication, and natural leadership.

After her mother’s death, when Rose was 23, she stepped into a matriarchal role for her younger siblings still at home. Over the years, she offered steady support, guidance, and unconditional love to each of her brothers and sisters.

Rose and Ed married in June 1978 and made their home in Frederick, where they raised their two sons, Kyle and Chase. Rose taught physical education at Walkersville Elementary and Middle Schools for two years before beginning a new chapter.

In 1980, Rose founded Property Management People (PMP). Although she had no formal business training, she had the perfect blend of charisma, intuition, and grit to succeed. Rose was a passionate, inspiring leader whose confidence in others helped them grow personally and professionally. A generous mentor, she willingly shared her deep knowledge of property management and created an environment where others thrived. Rose wasn’t just an exceptional boss-she was a kindhearted person and a loyal friend.

In the 1990s, Rose became active in the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) earning the two most distinguished professional designations in the industry. In 2000, she joined the NARPM Board of Directors and went on to hold every officer position, culminating in her service as National President in 2006. She played a pivotal role in creating the Broker-Owner Conference and several internal groups that continue to shape industry standards today. Under her leadership, PMP became the first company in Maryland-and the 35th nationally-to earn the Certified Residential Management Company designation, reflecting her commitment to excellence.

Rose was proud of her Italian heritage and treasured her relationships with her maternal grandmother and relatives. After her grandmother’s death in the early 1980s, and through a series of circumstances, Rose’s American family lost contact with her Italian family for more than 20 years. The story of her grandmother’s immigration to America-and the events that followed-could fill an exciting mini-series.

In 2004, Rose successfully reconnected with her family in Puglia region of Italy. Reuniting with her Italian relatives fulfilled a lifelong dream, and her subsequent trips to Italy-where she deepened and celebrated the bonds of family-brought her immense joy.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Rose was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and lived her life guided by compassion, integrity, and humility. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD, and chaperoned a group of parish teenagers to World Youth Day in 1997. Her faith was evident in her actions and thoughtfulness toward others.

Rose cherished her family and remained closely connected to her siblings throughout her life. She instilled in those she loved a simple principle: always do the right thing. Her integrity was so steadfast that, as far as anyone knows, she “stole” only once-corn from a farm field near Shepherdstown during her college years. She and her sorority sisters later discovered it was animal feed corn, which was (unfortunately for their dinner plans) inedible. The story became a favorite family reminder of Rose’s honesty, humor, and good nature.

An avid runner, Rose completed two marathons-the Marine Corps Marathon and the inaugural Frederick Marathon-along with countless 5Ks and half-marathons. When running became too hard on her knees, she embraced walking and hiking, continuing to find joy and peace in staying active.

Rose was, in many ways, our family’s “secret sauce.” She had an extraordinary ability to understand people-knowing when to encourage, when to comfort, when to teach, and when simply to hug. She also had the rare wisdom to know when to say nothing at all, allowing a moment’s meaning to settle and take hold. She had a gift for giving others exactly what they needed at precisely the right time. For Rose, kindness was a spiritual necessity. She believed in the power of generosity and felt twice blessed each time she lifted someone else’s spirit. Her kindness made others feel seen and valued-and she found real joy in return.

Rose is survived by Ed, her husband of 47 years, and their two sons, Kyle and Chase. Kyle and his wife, Carey, have three children: Sophie, Ava, and Hunter. Chase and his wife, Taylor, have a daughter, Evelyn. Her grandchildren loved their Nonna, and her love for them was unmatched.

Rose is also survived by her brothers Andy (Carolyn), Joe (Debra), and Sam; and her sisters Victoria (Glenn) and Cecilia (Keith). She was preceded in death by her brother Pete, who passed away from ALS.

The family is grateful to the staff of Silverado Memory Care for their kindness and support. The Silverado staff, nurses, and caregivers were tremendous. We wish to acknowledge Shaundel Milburn, Rose’s primary caregiver, for the love, affection, and gentleness she provided. Her kindness brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Rose’s days and the family’s as well. Shaundel treated Rose not just as someone you care for, but as someone you truly care about. The difference she made is deeply appreciated.

Arrangements are being handled by Stauffer Funeral Homes, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Viewings will be held, March 19, from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, at 1 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 E. Second Street, Frederick, with burial immediately following the service. A Celebration of Life reception is tentatively planned for Holly Hills Country Club, 5502 Mussetter Road, Ijamsville, MD from 3 to 5 p.m.

Please, no flowers. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD. 21701. Rose’s Hospice nurse, Trish Ostendorf, provided extraordinary guidance, support, and compassion to not only Rose but to her family. Trish’s expertise, care, and clear communications were so valuable during this challenging time.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.