Rose Marie Heck had long been a passionate advocate for women and faithful public
servant when she took to the floor of the General Assembly in 1995 to object to a great
disservice to society: So-called ‘Drive-through deliveries.’
Heck, a mother of four, was horrified by an accepted practice that enabled insurers to
rush new moms and their newborns out of the hospital in as little as 12 hours after
delivery.
She spearheaded bipartisan legislation that required new moms be allowed to stay for
at least 48 hours – and was wildly applauded when that bill became law.
Rose, who also led efforts to strengthen laws to help protect victims of domestic
violence and their children, passed away last weekend. She was 97.
Rose was a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for her community at
all levels.
She served four terms as mayor of Hasbrouck Heights across two separate periods
(1988-95 and 2008-15), making her the first woman elected to the borough council and
one of its longest-serving leaders.
She also served as a commissioner on the Bergen County Utility Authority from 1989-
91, and as chair of the County Community Development Committee from 1987-90,
demonstrating her commitment to improving public services and community well-being.
That led to her time in the General Assembly, where she represented the 38th
Legislative District from 1991 to 2003.
Throughout her legislative service, she held numerous leadership positions, including
Majority Conference Leader (2000-01), chair of the Policy and Regulatory Oversight
Committee (1996-99), and chair of the Advisory Council on Women.
Rose championed major legislation, such as the Police Officers Bill of Rights, Child
Abuse Prevention, Victim Advocacy, and Tax Relief.
But she was the most proud of her efforts to help mothers and children.
She sponsored Assembly Bill No. 1301, which established a network of specialized
centers addressing child abuse in New Jersey. Her vision and leadership were
instrumental in founding the Audrey Hepburn Children’s House, a state-designated Regional Diagnostic Center for child abuse and neglect at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital within Hackensack University Medical Center.
Her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Rose was the beloved wife of the late Raymond L. Heck. She was a devoted sister of
Ann Ciccolella and predeceased siblings Anthony and Theresa.
She was a loving mother to Nancy Radwin (Anthony Troisi), Laury LaCava (Thomas),
Rosemary Rakus (Charles), and the late Suzan Carresse.
Rose cherished her grandchildren — Scott and Jeffrey Radwin, Michael and Danielle
LaCava, Anthony and Taylor LaCava, Joseph LaCava and fiancé Amanda Rutter,
Jessica and Blake Hughes, Alec and Emily Carresse — and great-grandchildren
Julianna Rose and Thomas Michael LaCava, Capri Isabela, Siena Leigh and Lucia
Alison LaCava, and Ayla Rose and Connor Blake Hughes.
Her love for her family was boundless, and she leaves behind a legacy of warmth,
wisdom, and kindness that will be treasured always.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose’s memory may be made to Tackle Kids Cancer, c/o
the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. Her unwavering commitment to
helping others continues through every life she touched.
