Rosalie Charlotte (Berinato) Learned

Rosalie Charlotte (Berinato) Learned, proud resident of Waltham since 1976, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was 85. Born on January 9, 1939, Rosalie was the beloved daughter of Charles and Angela (Ripaldi) Berinato. She grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and was a proud graduate of The Jeremiah E. Burke High School For Girls where she sang in Glee Club and danced and choreographed many school talent shows.

During her career, Rosalie first worked as a drafter for New England Telephone Company, then married and raised four children (Russell, Cheryl, Rachel, and Michelle) and then returned to the workforce as a secretary at Standard Electric in Waltham and, for nearly two decades, she enjoyed her work as an administrative assistant at Brandeis University, primarily for the athletic department, until her retirement in 2005.

Family was at the heart of Rosalie's life. From her childhood memories on Stanwood Street in Dorchester, where she grew up surrounded by relatives, to moments spent with her grandchildren, family filled her heart and soul. She fondly recalled memories of growing up In Dorchester, her cousins, aunts and uncles occupying the other apartments in the triple-decker, always close. They spent their summers together on Little Sandy Pond in Pembroke, where many of her extended family members also had houses. The summers were filled with big Italian family get-togethers, days spent with cousins and friends on the lake and nights jitter-bugging at Mixers, hanging out down at the Hollow, or sneaking extra friends into the trunk of her car to see drive-in-movies. Her early days were always filled with love and mischief.

She was always very creative and took an interest in art and theater from a young age. She loved roller skating as a youngster at Chez Vous and delighted in designing her sparkling costumes, embodying her vibrant personality. She was awarded a scholarship to attend the MFA School of Practical Art but instead chose to raise her four children. Yet, she kept her artistry alive, taking drawing and painting and flower arranging classes. A favorite painting she painted was of the lighthouse Portland Headlight near her home during the time the family lived in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She also had such a flair for decorating her homes and dressing in stylish, sparkly attire to match her big personality!

Rosalie was the consummate stage mother! She drove her children to dance lessons, auditions, and shows and volunteered in the Reagle Player Box Office for years. Soon she had the courage to audition herself and was cast in Reagle's Christmas Shows, Brigadoon, and Mame and performed right alongside her daughters. She sang in Sacred Heart's choir and performed in their church shows, too. This joy for performing she passed along to her grandchildren. Her proudest and happiest days were sitting in the audience watching her grandchildren in their school concerts and shows from elementary school through college. Even when she walked with a walker or arrived by wheelchair she never missed a single performance!

Her grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she cherished spending time and sharing her love of the arts with them. Though she will be lovingly remembered for her fashionable flair and outgoing spirit, it is her deep affection for her family that will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister Sara Carmichael. 

Rosalie leaves her children Russell Learned of Waltham, Cheryl Learned of Framingham, Rachel Learned (Manny Kamal, husband) of Waltham, and Michelle Learned (Stephen Zangerl-Salter, husband) of Waltham; her grandchildren, Ashley and Justin Kamal, Eliza and Hayden Zangerl-Salter; Her niece, Janet Carmichael, and her daughter, Jocelyn, and her nephew, Joseph Carmichael and his daughter Lisa. She is also survived by many cousins with whom she was very close.

Family and friends will honor and remember Rosalie‘s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in the Joyce funeral home, 245 Main St., (Rte 20), Waltham on Thursday, September 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday morning where her Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.