Rose Marie, of Rochester, NY, passed peacefully at home on October 6th at age 92.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Predeceased by her son, Peter; her parents, Joseph and Anna Kehm; her twin, Trudy Ash; her sister, Eleanor Kehm; and her brother, Albert Kehm. Survived by her loving children, John (Rosemary) Sparagana of Northbrook, IL; Steven (Maria Elena) Sparagana of Plano, TX; Christin Sparagana Marcatili of Rochester, NY; Eleanor (Greg Dobson) Sparagana of Pittsford, NY; and grandchildren Sandra (Josh), Jordan, Jaclyn, Sophia, and Paola; and great-grandson, Leo. Also survived by her dear brother-in-law, William Ash; nieces and nephews; and her wonderful friends of 50 plus years, Mary Jones and Edna Norton.
After graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School, Rose Marie worked for a year in the pathology lab at Strong Memorial Hospital before college, and then was a 1954 graduate of Cornell University. She then married her husband, Gabriel Sparagana, who was an officer in the Navy. During their 10 years of Navy life, their five children were born in five different states, and Rose Marie did volunteer work for the Red Cross. Upon resettling in the Rochester area, Rose Marie taught second grade at Holy Trinity Church School in Webster, received her Master of Library Science degree at SUNY Geneseo, and worked sharing the joy of books as a librarian at the Webster Public Library, and at Benjamin Franklin High School, Rochester Elementary School #3, and Frederick Douglass Middle School, all in Rochester. She helped countless children during her career as a librarian, and volunteered at public schools upon her retirement.
She lived a full, positive life and was always an advocate for peace and nature. Rose Marie treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She was also an avid reader, gardener, birdwatcher, and traveler; she enjoyed the beach, and watching golf, which she had played when she was younger. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and she will live on forever through them and their memories.
UPDATE: A Memorial Mass to celebrate Rose Marie’s life will be held on June 7th at 1pm at St Louis Church, 64 S. Main St., Pittsford. The parking area is in back of the church and can be accessed from the driveway off of Main St just left of the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Rose Marie’s favorite charities, Heifer International or Doctors Without Borders.