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Rosemary Brooker Heiss, 89, of Lowell Hill Rd., Waterford, OH peacefully passed at her home surrounded by her family, on December 4, 2020. Rosemary was born on May 14, 1931 to Ella (Huck) and Albert Brooker. She graduated from Lowell High School in 1949. While in school she worked as a janitor. She worked summers at the tomato packing house. Rosemary spent 2 years working confinement cases in which she stayed with expecting families to care for the mother and her family before and after the delivery of their baby.
Rosemary lived her life as a devout Catholic. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Church, a member of the Catholic Woman’s Club holding several offices, a 50 year member of the Friendly Circle Quilt Club, an active band booster for several years, and always supported her husband and the agriculture industry through her involvement as a local and state officer of the National Farmer’s Organization.
In her younger years, she thought she might become a nun, however, after meeting Fred she changed her mind. On April 11, 1951 she married Frederick J. Heiss, and the family began. Together they raised 18 children. She is survived by 15 children: Joseph of Waterford, OH, James (Cindy) of Woodlawn, Tennessee, John (Mary Anne) of Waterford, Gene of Lowell, Dan of Waterford, Alberta (Bill) Wesel of Marietta, Cecilia Sciance of Waterford, Toby Heiss of Waterford, Julie (Brian) Wilson of Lowell, Jennifer (George) Holmes of Suwanee, Georgia, Alva ( Debbie) of Beverly, Ellie (Mike) Tullius of Beverly, Tony of Waterford, PJ (Buck) Stanley of Waterford, Lucy (Brad) Duff of Lowell; a daughter-in-law Ginny Heiss of Waterford; 59 grandchildren and step grandchildren, 105 great grandchildren and step great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren; sisters Dorothy Gantley of Norfolk, VA, Gladys (Francis) Schilling of Marietta; sisters- in- law Anna Mae Brooker, Edith Brooker, Mary Brooker, Camilla Heiss , brothers-in-law Bernard Heiss, Donivan Heiss, Leonard Heiss; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Fred; three sons, Maurice, Jerry, and Tom; grand- children Leah Holmes and Josh Collins; brothers Patrick ( Joe), George , Edward , Paul , Andrew, William, Ben , and Emmett Brooker; brothers-in-law George Heiss and Robert Gantley; sisters-in-law Sheila, Betty, and Peggy Brooker, Raleen Heiss and Norma Heiss.
Rosemary was an inspiration to many generations. She lived her faith daily teaching whatever child was around to pray as there was always a rosary in her pocket. She taught many the skills of cooking, baking bread, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and pieffer nuts, cleaning, sewing, quilting, parenting, grand parenting, to love your family and friends as well as any stranger, and to keep holy the Lord’s Day. Her faith was demonstrated through her dedication for caring for her adult son Tom for 40 years after his car accident. Her love was demonstrated every time a child, grandchild, and step grandchild was born, graduated, and married through the beautiful quilts she gifted them. Her legacy and warmth will be felt for any years as we rest beneath her labors of love. She was our safe haven, inspiration, and foundation. May Rosemary lie in peace under the walnut tree with her true love Fred.
Funeral services will be 10:30am on Wednesday December 9, 2020 at St. John the Baptist Church with Fr. David Gaydosik officiating. Internment services to follow at the St. John the Baptist cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 2-8 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Churchtown, Ohio with her personal quilt show. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Amedisys Hospice Care and her caretakers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Central Grade School at 17784 St. Rt. 676, Marietta, Ohio, 45750 or Mary's House at PO box 1005, Beverly, Ohio 45715. Arrangements are being taken care of by McCurdy Funeral Home in Beverly, Ohio. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.mccurdyfh.com.
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