On Thursday, February 18, 2021, the handmaiden of God, Rose M. MacKoul, fell asleep in the Lord with her loving family by her side. Her husband of 46 years, Joseph G. MacKoul died in 2004.

Rose was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of the late Alexander and Martha (Abraham) Samia. After graduating from Commerce High School in 1957, Rose met the love of her life, Joe MacKoul, and was married on November 2, 1958, in St. George Orthodox Cathedral. They settled in Worcester where they raised their two children. When her children were old enough, Rose went to work as a dental assistant for Dr. Judah Rubin in Worcester.

She was a devout and active member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral where she sang in the choir from her youth to the present day. Throughout the years, Rose enjoyed bingo, bowling, swimming, and fellowship with her friends at the YMCA and Worcester Senior Center. As the family’s self-proclaimed barber, Rose took great pride in cutting her son and grandson’s hair.

Her greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family. Rose was happiest when serving the people she loved and she loved everyone. Her house was the gathering place for generations of family and friends who knew they were cared for, loved, and filled with her never-ending offering of food! She would put her culinary expertise to work preparing one of her favorite Lebanese dishes or deserts…no one ever left the table hungry.

In the summers, her pool brought everyone together and her hospitality made you never want to leave. She will always be remembered for her genuine warmth and love, a reflection of her strong inner faith, which touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Rose is survived by her two sons, Joseph A. MacKoul and his wife, Gayle of Holden and Fr. James M. MacKoul and his wife, Eva of St. Louis Missouri; a brother, Richard Samia and his companion, Cheryl of Roxboro, North Carolina; three sisters, Joyce Peters and her husband, Donald of Vero Beach, Florida, Carol Joseph and Donna Bayrouty of Worcester; five grandchildren, Fr. Alex J. MacKoul and his wife, Amanda of Myrtle Beach, SC, Christiana MacKoul of Arlington, VA, Katie Hillgren and her husband, Eric, Jamie and Victoria MacKoul of St. Louis; nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rose’s family from 9 to 10 am on Monday, February 22, in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester followed by a funeral service at 10 am at the Cathedral with HIS GRACE BISHOP JOHN, Rev. Fr. Milad Selim, and Rose’s son, Rev. Fr. James M. MacKoul, and her grandson, Rev. Fr. Alex MacKoul officiating. Rose will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Out of love and consideration of all attending, facial masks and social distancing will be required.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Philip G. Haddad, Jr. of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. In lieu of flowers, and if you wish, memorial donations may be made in Rose’s name to St. George Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund, 30 Anna St., Worcester, MA 01604.