Rosalie Ann Cardinal
June 7, 1938 - September 28, 2023
Having lived a life full of love, and one devoted to faith, family, friendship, and service to others, after 85 years, Rosalie Ann (“Chee Chee”) Cardinal went to be with the Lord on September 28, 2023. Rosalie was born June 7, 1938 to Frank Bruno and Rose (Mangini) DeMatis as the first of three children, with siblings Carole and Katherine. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1956. On September 28, 1957, she married Vernon Cardinal, whom she met while attending Western Washington University. They were married for 48 years and reunited in Heaven on what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. They had three children: Bryan, Bradley, and Christopher. Rosalie attended night school in the 1970s and began working as a travel agent at Aurora Village Travel. She earned her Certified Travel Agent credential through Wellesley College in 1987. She and her business partner, Joanne Carney, opened and managed The Travel People in Mukilteo (1985-2001) and Bothell (1988-2001).
Abiding by the adage of St. Augustine, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” Rosalie was herself an adventurous and seasoned world traveler. She was a devout Catholic, faithful, prayerful, spiritual, and strong. Her commitment was evident in the way she lived her life. Without fanfare, she selflessly served the community, volunteering at the local elementary school, food bank, public library, as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher, as well as regularly donating blood and participating in cancer walks. Honoring her family heritage, she was a member and officer of the Italian Club in Seattle. Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou, “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud,” she championed her family and friends, showed up during their times of need, and celebrated their successes. Rosalie was the rock of her family and will be greatly missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers/sister-in-law Richard and Emma Cardinal, Jerry Bishop, Tom Alldaffer; and daughter-in-law Patricia (Hjelle) Cardinal. She is survived by sisters Carole Bishop and Kathy (Gordy) Best; sister-in-law, Vivian Alldaffer; Rosalie’s sons and their wives, Bryan (Naomi), Brad (Marita), and Chris (Ella); grandchildren and their spouses Michael (Sarah), Jonathan, Kyle, Kathrine (David) Traub, Kaitlyn, and Nicholas; great-grandchildren Emma, James, and Jacob; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A Catholic Mass will be held in her honor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 2316 180 th St. S.E., Bothell, WA 98012 at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 16, 2023, followed by a reception. Per Rosalie’s request, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
