Rose McCaffrey, who stepped down three weeks ago as Carnegie's tax collector, died Aug. 14 in her home, surrounded by her family, after complications from surgery.

A longtime borough resident, Mrs. McCaffrey was elected tax collector in November 1997 and again in 2001. Citing personal reasons, she resigned from the office in May 2005, but left her name on the November ballot and won by 26 votes.

She returned to the tax office in January, but illness forced her off the job several months later. Her husband, Jim McCaffrey, who had often assisted her, was deputized to take over her duties in June. She resigned July 25.

Councilman Fred Carini said Mrs. McCaffrey "was very dedicated to Carnegie and put her heart and soul into her position.

"I think she did a great job as tax collector," the councilman said.

Before becoming tax collector, Mrs. McCaffrey was a volunteer with the Carnegie Youth Athletic Association.

She is survived by her husband; son, Michael Patrick "Jamie" McCaffrey; daughter, Jennifer Jo McCaffrey; granddaughter, Molly Rose McCaffrey; brother, Walter Bliss Jr.; and sisters, Mary Lou McChesney and Catherine DeAmicis.

A Mass is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Ignatius Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. There is no viewing.

The family suggests that Mrs. McCaffrey be remembered through donations to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh 15243, or through Masses said in her name.