Donna Riddick-Rosser, 67, devoted to children

Donna Riddick-Rosser devoted her life to caring for others, especially children.

There were, first of all, her own six children, and then there were her children's friends, most of whom looked upon her as a surrogate mother, and, finally, there were the children with special needs whom she helped to live normal lives.

Donna worked with KenCrest Services, which operates a variety of programs for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

She served as an early-childhood-intervention specialist.

"She was truly inspired by and dedicated to the families she served," her family said, "and she worked diligently to improve the lives of these children with special needs."

Donna died Sept. 20 after a seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 67 and lived in East Mount Airy.

She was born in Philadelphia to Raymond Nathaniel Logan and Dolores Lydia Castro. She graduated from Overbrook High School in 1958.

She attended St. Augustine's College, in Raleigh, N.C., where she met and married her first husband, William Riddick. They had six children.

"She greatly enjoyed raising her children and was an exceptionally popular mother to her children's friends," her family said. "She was so adored that they often considered her a mom to them, too."

Donna completed her education at Temple University, receiving a bachelor's degree in early-childhood education.

She was remarried to the late Sherman Rosser Sr. in April 2003 at the Reformed Church of Willingboro, N.J. She became a devoted an active member of the church.

She retired from KenCrest in January 2006.

Donna was a woman of many talents. She wrote poetry, created artistic scrapbooks and painted. Her letters were also cherished by family and friends.

She was also an outstanding cook, famous for her fried chicken, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and, especially, her apple pie.

"People were drawn to her because of her goodwill and generosity," her family said. "She was eager to help anyone in need and she lived her life doing kind-hearted acts of service for others.

"She lived her life with a steadfast work ethic, benevolent spirit and open heart full of love for her children, her family, her friends and countless others."

Donna was a member of the Gamma Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

She is survived by four daughters, Crystal M. Brown, Rhonda D. Spaulding, Atiya M. Riddick and Tarah F. Riddick; a son, Derek L. Riddick; her stepmother, Harriet Logan; stepfather, Burgess Clark, and eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Donald Nicholas Riddick.

Services: Were Friday. Burial was in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd. *