Rosella Austad, 83, of Anamosa, peacefully went to sleep and awoke in Heaven on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The family will celebrate her life with a visitation from 4-7 pm Friday, October 9, 2026, at Goettsch Funeral Home (306 E 1st Street, Anamosa, IA). A private burial will be held at a later date with family. Please use the Guestbook to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with Rosella’s family.

Rosella was born on the island of Trinidad on November 19, 1942, to Sydney and Eileen (Gajadhar) Dalip. She was the third of seven children. She was deeply proud of her heritage and often shared stories about growing up on the island.

At the age of 18, she started nursing school in Liverpool, England. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, she moved to Cedar Rapids where one of her older sisters lived. For many years, she dedicated her life as a Registered Nurse at St. Luke’s and led with compassion and kindness.

She married Mark Austad on August 21, 1972. She cherished being able to stay home and raise their two sons, Lincoln and Dave. Their home was often the gathering place for their friends, many of whom became like family to her over the years.

Rosella was a devoted Christian and known for her unwavering faith and incredibly positive spirit. She was a longtime member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Anamosa. She always remained optimistic despite all of the health battles she endured.

She could often be found listening to a good book on tape while snuggling on the couch or singing a song from her childhood to her grandchildren whom she was affectionately known as Granny Rose. She enjoyed hearing about the activities her grandchildren were participating in.

Rosella had a special love for animals and cherished the companionship they brought into her life. Their dog, Lisa, and their cat, Jenny, held special places in her heart and she loved sharing stories about them.

Even though she was barely five feet tall, she was full of joy, fiercely independent, and marched to the beat of her own drum. She had a gift for making people feel remembered, never missing a birthday, sending cards (often filled with confetti!), and calling friends near and far. She always made sure people knew they were loved. She looked forward to her weekly Sunday evening phone call with her sister, Chris, who resides in Trinidad.

She leaves behind her two sons, Lincoln (Krystal) of Robins; David of Marion; and three grandchildren (Lela, Lydia, and Liam Austad) and her sister, Christabelle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many friends who were always willing to give her a ride to church, appointments, and errands over the years. Your kindness, time, and friendship meant so much to her and to our family.

We will miss the sound of her voice, her laughter, her quick wit and the love she so freely shared. Though we miss her dearly, we find peace knowing that she is rejoicing in Heaven.