No, not a pet, not a name known to any but those of us who knew her. She was a bride of a Merchant Marine during WWII, 80 something years old. Until very recently she continued to kick bootay at church, always seated in the third row, left side of the sanctuary. I simply adored her. She died yesterday morning after a valiant fight.
I came to know Rosemary at church. She and her husband Rob always collected the pew cards on their side of the church while Miss Bea and Mr. Pete collected them on theirs. After I was recruited to call visitors who left phone numbers on those cards Persiflage and I tried to help pick up the pew cards and oh my God, the furor that erupted!! These four folks, all WWII vets, were incensed! This was their job! We immediately understood and worked out a plan. While we were changing out of our choir robes, they were collecting the pew cards. We all met after and took the cards from them, always thanking them for doing that. They were a hoot, telling us before we began making the calls, nobody took any interest.
Things evolved in our relationships. Miss Bea, always turned out and hair in place, warmed to us, and after a gazillion years at our church she decided we were okay. Mr. Pete is a honey, whoever is okay with Miss Bea is okay with him.
Rob and Rosemary were different. She had begun to have symptoms of dementia and Rob was mainly taking care of everything. Every Sunday she would hug and kiss me, tell me she didn't have a daughter to love so I was it. I knew she had two daughters in law but figured maybe they weren't that close. I still don't know.
Then Rosemary fell and broke her hip. Surgery. She did okay. Rehab. Her pacemaker was not quite right. Rob sat all night with her until finally going home at 5:30 AM for a rest, Rosemary was stable. Can you freaking believe the doctor called Rob at 8 AM and told him over the phone that Rosemary had died?? He told me a little while ago, he couldn't believe it. He asked the doctor to repeat what he said. What kind of doctor tells an 80+ man his wife died over the phone???
Rob is okay, filled with tasks to do for her. Her obituary. Flowers. We are taking care of food and cleaning his home. The service is all planned. Food will be plentiful.
But I am thinking of Rosemary and Rob. He is still here and doing ok. We will help him. I can't believe this wonderful lady is gone, so fast. I miss her already. She was a really great gal.
Bye Rosemary.