Rosa Marie Mccrea

Rosa McCrea was born on February 22, 1952, in Williamsburg County, to John W. McCrea and the late Margaret E. McCrea Sr. She was the eldest of eleven children. Rosa graduated from Richard C. Lee High School in New Haven, Connecticut class of 1971. She attended John Robert Powell Modeling School and went on to further her education at Gateway Community College.

Rosa was a kind, gentle soul with a heart full of love and generosity always ready to uplift and support those around her. Whether it was a wedding, baby shower, or family gathering, Rosa was always there, ready to assist with love and care. She took great joy in preparing her signature tossed salad and fruit salad for family gatherings always adding a special touch to everything she made.

Known for her generous heart and talent for decorating she had a special gift for making any space warm and inviting. She loved to shop and her favorite time of year was Christmas, a season that perfectly reflected her love, joy and giving spirit.  Rosa’s faith was the foundation of her life guiding her with strength, grace and unwavering devotion. She loved the Lord and found comfort in gospel music.

Before retiring, Rosa devoted 45 years of service to the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services and worked 14 years at Yale New Haven Hospital (YPI). Her dedication and commitment made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community she served.

Rosa was more than a sister—she was a mother figure to her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of precious memories to be cherished by: Her father,  John (Linda) W. McCrea Sr.; Her brother Muhammed Abdul Kabir of New Haven, CT; Her ten sisters: Delores Byrd of East Haven, CT; Connie White of Milford, CT; Margaret (Harold) Hasell of West Haven, CT; Ivia (Ronald) McCrea of Maryland Cheryel (Clentis) Sead of Pittsfield, MA; Gwen McCrea of Meriden, CT; Margaret McCrea III of New Haven, CT; Ebony Lindsey of New Haven, CT; Shirley Kelly Sweet of Norristown, PA; Roslynn (Jackie) Wilson of North Carolina. A niece she raised as her own: Patricia McCrea of West Haven, CT; Extended family: Robin Stewart of New Haven, CT

Rosa was preceded in death by: Her mother, Margaret E. McCrea; Her brothers, John William “Gotti” McCrea Jr. and Jimmie McCrea; Her sister, Vetias (McCrea) Newton; Her maternal grandparents, Mr. Benjamin Wilson; Mrs. Selma Cooper-Brayboy ; Her paternal grandparents, Mr. Levi and Alice McCrea Sr. She will be deeply missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends, including her best friends: Pearl Murphy, Marleen Robinson, and Andrey Pender.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate Rosa’s life with the same joy, love, and enthusiasm she shared with us. Let us honor her memory by cherishing the moments, sharing laughter, and embracing life as she did. Rosa, we thank you for the love, wisdom, and joy you brought into our lives. We will carry your spirit with us always.

A Celebrations of Rosa’s Life will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel Street, New Haven at 1pm.  Viewing from 12pm-1pm in Church. Her Horse Drawn Carriage will leave following the funeral services for her burial in Hamden Plains Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.colonialfunerals.com . This is the website for Zoom ( For those who can’t make it) Username: 3611743370 and Password: 123790