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.
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful mother. Such an accomplished life. May special memories bring you comfort.
Thank you very much for your comforting and thoughtful message. We appreciate it very much. ~Chris Sparagana Marcatili
Thank you for your kind words. All the best, Eleanor Sparagana
She was a great friend, union rep and colleague at Frederick Douglass. So sorry to hear of her passing. We will remember her at the next meeting of the Rochester Retired Teachers.
Kevin, you were a great friend and colleague to her as well. Mom mentioned you many times over the years, always with fondness. I wish I had remembered to put the Union Rep in the obituary, as that was very important to her and she always kept up, even during her years with me in Texas, with what was happening here. Thank you for your kind words, and for remembering her at the next meeting. ~Chris Marcatili Sparagana
Thank you for your kind words, Kevin. My mom spoke of you fondly and wanted to give you a call in recent months. I am only sorry that we did not make that happen. She also loved your underwater photos. Mom’s memorial service will be on Saturday, June 8th, at 11:00am. It would be wonderful to see you. All the best, Eleanor
Dear Eleanor and family,
I am so sorry for the passing of your mom. I just found out from my mother that she saw the notice in the Sunday paper. What a fantastic childhood we had, in such a wonderful neighborhood. I don’t have any legendary stories about your mom, except an overall sense of sweetness, kindness, encouragement, and … calmness – decidedly lacking at 147 Dunning. I think of you often, but most especially sitting on mom’s front porch during stormy weather. Mother and I would love to represent at your mom’s memorial. I don’t think I have your current info., but please reach out if you feel inclined. (585-503-3093) Your name frequently arises during family gatherings. You are loved and thought of in this difficult time.
Sue
Thank you so much, Sue (always Suzie in my memory). This is Eleanor’s sister, Chris. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in writing — I feel your words do capture our mom. And you are so right about our childhood and neighborhood. There is so much to be grateful for. I will be sure that Eleanor sees your message, and I am sure she will be in touch. ~Chris Sparagana Marcatili
Thank you so much, Suzy. Your message is so thoughtful. I tried to reach you but your mailbox was full. The memorial service for my mom will be on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at 11:00am. We would love to see you and your mom, if you are able to come. I hope that you and your family are doing well. All the best, Eleanor
Chris, El, Steve and John, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a warm, kind and gentle woman. Reading this, I wish I had the opportunity to know her better! It is evident how much she loved her family and how much you all loved her. Sending much love from Pittsburgh during this difficult time for you all.
Thank you for your kind words, Tiff. I hope all is well with all of you. Miss you. All the best, El
Thanks so much, Tiffany. I appreciate your loving words so very much. ❤️ ~Chris
Hello Chris and El. This is Becky Parks, your mom’s neighbor on Curtice Park after the Grockis. I learned of your mom’s passing from some retired RCSD teachers and want you to know how much I am thinking of you. Your mom was a wonderful neighbor and was so kind to reach out to us as soon as we moved in. She was so good to Jenny and Jimmy while they were growing up. She was such a wise and caring woman – I was always asking her for advice! And we shared a love of books and gardening – I still think of her every time my Shasta daisies and hydrangeas bloom – as they were gifts from her. I am sorry that I lost touch with her after she moved to Texas, and especially since it looks like she had moved back to Rochester. I hope to see you on Friday. I am holding you all close in my heart. With love, Becky and Jim Parks and family
Thank you, Becky. You were such a wonderful family for Mom to have living next door. She was very fond of all of you, and she enjoyed seeing your children grow. It sounds like Mom added to your lives, as I know you added to hers. I, too, am sorry not to have been in touch in recent years. I do hope to see you tomorrow, at the Mass and/or reception. Very best to you and your family always, Chris