History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Our History
Humble Beginnings
Francis and Dorothy Rose were both
born and raised in the Niles area. They lived down the street from each
other. They were always friends and would go out with groups of
friends and take trips to Santa Cruz on Sundays. Growing up, Francis
was always eager to have a business. He delivered papers for the
Oakland Tribune, shined shoes, turned in bottles...etc. Dorothy worked
from an early age at Rose City Pottery for 35 cents an hour, and then
for PG&E out of the Niles office. Francis and Dorothy were married
in 1948. After mortuary school, Francis and Dorothy moved to Paradise,
California to start the first Rose mortuary which opened the doors in
1951. While living in Paradise at the mortuary, three children were
added to the Rose bunch: Nancy, Michael, and Susan. In 1958 they moved
back to Fremont (known as Centerville at the time) to be closer to
family. The family of five lived with Dorothy's mother, Irene, in Niles
from August of 1958 until December of 1958 at which time they moved
into the apartment attached to the mortuary. It wasn't even a month
when the five became six with the birth of their fourth child Robert.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
Francis G. Rose purchased
the property, which was once full of apricot trees owned by William
"Bill" Furtado. Construction of the funeral home began in the spring of
1958 by Fred Diaz and was completed in the winter of 1958. Francis
opened the doors December 1958 and did everything from making removals
and embalming to meeting with families and conducting services. He is a
licensed funeral director and embalmer who took apprentices under his
wing periodically. Every day was an adventure but he never gave up. Of
course, his darling wife Dorothy Rose aided him by answering doors and
phones, after all their residence was in the back of the parlor. The
family did things in shifts - such as going to church since someone
always had to be at the building. The phone rang 24/7 and kids quickly
learned to not answer and be quiet, it's business.
The first and only remodel occurred circa 1990 at this time the front of the building facing Peralta Blvd. was extended outward.
Fremont Memorial Chapel
Built
in 1962 formerly Lindsey Fremont Memorial Chapel, it was acquired by
Francis G. Rose in 1987 and at that time the name was changed to Fremont
Memorial Chapel. A plaque is in place in front of the flag pole to
commemorate the original Alameda Masonic Lodge.
The building has been remodeled to better serve the public. In 1989 the two car garage was converted to a small reception room and in 2005 a major remodeling of the reception room occurred, expanding it and including stained glass windows and hardwood floors. Those wishing to have memorial services or celebrations of life events enjoy the large reception room. The reception room has been used by community organizations when available as well as our annual Celebration of Life program sponsored by the Rose Family.
The Rose Family Today
Francis and Dorothy have four
children Nancy, Michael, Susan, and Robert all of whom grew up at the
mortuary. Michael began working at the mortuary when he was a teen and
so did Robert. Nancy began working as office manager in 1991. Susan
began working in 1972-1978 before returning for three years in 1995.
Today
Nancy works full time while Susan comes and aids one
weekend every month. Michael is now retired, as of October of 2014. Robert owns and operates Irvington Memorial
Cemetery & Crematory.
Our Valued Staff
Mrs. Nancy Rose-Schroder, Funeral Director
Mr. Jeffrey Orozco, Funeral Counselor & Embalmer
Mr. Dennis Moore, Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mr. Charles "Chuck" Schroder, Pre-Planning Counselor
Jackie Kerlegan, Funeral Home Assistant