POUGHQUAG – Rose Barton, 82, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024, at her home.

Rose was born on June 24, 1941, in Palermo, Sicily, in a mining cave. She was the daughter of the late James and Theresa Gambino. At the age of four, Rose immigrated to Hudson, NY, where her family worked in the textile industry. Her first job was in a factory, cleaning and cutting mushrooms.

In her early teens, she met her soulmate, Bruce Barton, at Hudson High School. They bonded over their shared love of sports, with Rose excelling in field hockey and Bruce in basketball. On November 12th, 1961, they were married in Hudson, NY. They spent four years in Cornell, NY, where Rose supported Bruce as he completed his degree at Cornell University. Shortly after, they returned to the Hudson Valley, where Rose pursued her bachelor's degree in nursing. Rose dedicated many years of her career to Vassar Brothers Hospital, where she was promoted to Head Registered Nurse of the neurology and orthopedic floor. She always prioritized the needs of her patients and worked closely with her fellow nurses. Later, she left the nursing field to join her husband and son as business partners and operators of The Apple Core farm stand and Barton Orchards, both located in Dutchess County, NY. Rose played a vital role in the establishment of The Apple Core, envisioning small wooden stands inside the packing house to display the bags of fresh apples and later moving them outside for weekend travelers. Her vision brought The Apple Core to life, and it continues to serve the local community year-round 37 years later. Whether as a nurse or a business owner, Rose had a unique ability to connect with people. She touched the lives of customers and patients alike.

In her last several months, Rose started to live life again after caring for her beloved husband for so many years. She became known as "Spicy Spice" and many people enjoyed following her adventures and field trips.

Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband Bruce on January 1, 2024, after 62 wonderful years together. She is survived by her son, Peter Barton, and his love Jennifer Cunningham of Poughquag and her children Olivia and John; daughter, Priscilla Halbert, and her husband David of Lagrangeville; her grandchildren, Zachary Barton of Poughquag, Heather Halbert and her fiancé Sean McIntyre of Poughkeepsie; her siblings, Salvatore Gambino, Nina McKnight, and Mary Mott; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bette and Charles Hotaling; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to Rose's loving caregiver, Ama Torres, and Cindy Renwick, her nurse from Hudson Valley Hospice for their care and support.

Visitation will be held at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, on Thursday, May 16th, from 4 – 8 pm, with a funeral service at 7:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose's memory to Hudson Valley Hospice. Please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.