Rosanne Samluk Brandau Obituary

After a very long illness Rosanne Samluk Brandau, age 72, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 one day after her 40th wedding anniversary. She passed peacefully at the Accent Hospice Unit of the Wilmington Hospital. She was surrounded by people who loved her.

Rosanne was the daughter of the late Jesse and late Matilda DelGrosso Samluk. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Tim Brandau, her daughter Jessica Kilmon, and her granddaughter Miranda Kilmon. Rosanne is also survived by her brother John Samluk and his wife Mari. In addition, Rosanne is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rosanne was a proud graduate of Padua Academy and Neumann University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She worked as a nurse for fifty years. For over twenty-five years she worked as a school nurse. Over the years the students at Douglas School, Elbert-Palmer and Sara Pyle Academy benefited from her caring and skillful nursing. In 1995 she was recognized as the Delaware School Nurse of the Year. As the president of the Delaware School Nurses Association Rosanne was a fierce advocate for her colleagues but, more importantly, for her students. Her professionalism was so highly regarded, after she retired, the Department of Education asked her to mentor nurses at some of Delaware's charter schools.

In her leisure time Rosanne studied ballet for many years. She frequently appeared in the Wilmington Ballet Company's production of the Nutcracker. Some of her closest friendships were made at the ballet school.

A lifelong Wilmington resident, Rosanne was beautiful inside and out. She had a happy, loving disposition that drew people to her. Rosanne was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend and a nurse. With a kind heart she devoted her life to helping others. Her life touched and enhanced that of thousands of other people. Her impact on others was evidenced by the constant stream of visitors in her final days, including friends from high school, from college, from her work life, her ballet buddies, and a large group of cousins. Rosanne was a special person; she will be missed.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. The interment to follow at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Delaware Inc., 222 Lake Drive, Newark, DE 19702.