Rose Marie Shelton Friedlander

Published 3:59 pm Thursday, September 9, 2021

Rose Marie Shelton Friedlander, also known as “Rosie”, left her earthly body on August 18, 2021. Born, in Ontario, Woodstock, Canada to Harry and Hazel (Griffin) Shelton on July 14, 1945. Rosie relocated to Baker County, Georgia, with her parents when she was a young child.  Rosie attended Miller County High School, graduating in 1963 where she was a spirited, and no doubt, popular, cheerleader, homecoming Maid of Honor, Student Council leader, Beta Club, Student Library Association and Future Homemakers member. Rosie was crowned as Miss Colquitt in 1962, and then went on to be crowned as Miss National Peanut Festival. She was lovingly and frequently referred to by friends and family as “The Peanut Queen.”

After attending Troy State College in Alabama, Rosie moved to Atlanta where she met and later married Mitch Friedlander. Together they opened the notorious Casbah, Bogarts, Blackbirds and Shepard’s nightclubs. After leaving Atlanta, Rosie managed the offices of Dr. Larry Smith, South Georgia Allergy Clinic in Brunswick and Albany, Georgia. Rosie loved being a “local” on St. Simons Island for 20 years.

Rosie’s greatest accomplishment in life, however, was her daughter, Taylor Diestler, by whom she is survived.  Even the shortest of time spent around Rosie with Taylor revealed the infectious love between the two.  Rarely are the bonds of mother and daughter as visible and strong as that which existed between Rosie and Taylor.  Rosie is also survived by her son-in-law, Matthew Diestler, whom she loved, adored and knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, was “the one” for her beloved daughter; grandsons, Matthew Mitchell and Kasdan, and granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, and Madielyn Diestler. Rosie leaves behind a wonderful legacy to her family & friends. Her beauty, kindness, loyalty, humor, frankness, and spirit will long be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Rosie was living her best life in retirement, relocating to Florida and then back to Georgia to be close to Taylor, Matt and the kids.  Her proudest title was “MeMe,” and among her favorite pastimes was time spent being a grandmother to her grandsons and step granddaughters. She adored and also had a special bond with her grandsons and would visit with them almost every day. She not only enjoyed time with family at home, there are many special memories with her family at the farm, the cabin, the beach and family vacations.

One in a gazillion, Rosie lived her life to the fullest. To know Rosie was to both love her and be loved by her.  Rosie could light up the room with the flash of a smile; she never met a stranger and was always a friend. She is missed more than any earthly word could ever express.  A celebration of life will be held at the family farm in Baker County, Georgia on October 16, 2021.