Vicki Ann Rosensteel, age 84, of Gettysburg, PA, passed away at her home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Donald & Helen (Collins) Harner. Vicki was born on October 1, 1941, at Hanover Hospital. Vicki spent her early years residing out in the country in Littlestown, riding horses and loving every animal farm life provided. She was part of the 1959 class at Delone Catholic High School and graduated from cosmetology school. Following in the footsteps of close family members, she learned quickly that culinary prowess was a sure-fire way to people’s hearts. Vicki spent many years as a sous chef and chef in numerous restaurant establishments in the Gettysburg, Emmitsburg, and Fairfield areas, where her recipes gained regular patrons. During local filming of the movie “Gettysburg,” she frequently fed the movie crew at the Fairfield Inn. In later years, she would share all her beloved dishes that blessed family and friends throughout her community.
Growing up as an animal advocate, it wouldn’t be unusual to see Vicki nurse a baby squirrel to health, or have an opossum walk through the house as a welcome guest, or have a huge German Shepherd carry a fresh litter of baby kittens in his mouth. While living in Fairfield, Vicki’s real superpower was trapping and rescuing feral cats. Many Carroll Valley felines owe their lives to her big heart.
A close friend of hers worked tirelessly on the original handcrafted Pride of Baltimore clipper ship, and Vicki was in attendance to cheer on its maiden voyage. In the 1980’s, she spent many weekends at the sportsman club shooting muzzleloaders.
Not one to shy away from adventure, for her 70th birthday, she took her first glider flight with the Mid Atlantic Soaring Center. She also boarded the Schooner Woodwind in Annapolis for a sailing adventure in her 70’s.
Her favorite pastime was sharing a Natty Boh and good conversation with a few close family or friends. She thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity with the children, and she never met a furry creature she didn’t love. She left an indelible mark on this part of God’s creation and will be sorely missed.
Vicki is survived by four children, Susan R. Feaga and husband, Keith, of Gettysburg, PA; Mark A. Rosensteel and wife, Jody, of Hubert, NC; Kimberly A. Rudisill and husband, Randy, of Orrtanna, PA, and Randi L. Bobb of Harrisburg, PA, thirteen grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Tommy Harner. A celebration of life will be held at her beloved Taverna on Friday, March 13, from 3-5 pm.
The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online tributes and condolences can be left at monahanfuneralhome.com, and donations can be made in her honor to Forever Love Rescue.