In Memory of Rosemary R. O’Leary

Obituary

Rosemary R. O’Leary

Born March 28, 1928, Rosemary passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 18, 2018.

Rosemary was born in Rochester, NY and spent happy childhood years on Sunset Drive in Brighton. She attended Crane School of Music at Potsdam State College and graduated with a teaching degree in 1950. During her time in Potsdam, she met the love of her life, Jack O’Leary. They were married in July of 1950 and resided for a short time in Syracuse, NY before moving to the Utica area. There, in Deerfield, Rosemary was extremely busy bringing up her five children. As the children grew up, she returned to her teaching career and spent over twenty years teaching music at Deerfield Elementary School. During her retirement years, she gave freely of her time as a Hospice companion and was active as a bereavement volunteer.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Colleen (Brian) Brooks of Cocoa Beach, FL; Michael J. O’Leary of Utica, NY; Kathleen (Norman DeZalia) O’Leary of Clinton, NY; and Eileen (Daniel) Micheli of Rochester, NY, as well as seven grandchildren, Kerry and Erin Brooks, Christopher Martyniuk, Sean and Ryan DeZalia, Eric and David Micheli, a great grandchild, Elijah DeZalia, her sister-in-law Mary Katherine (Kay) Ryan, and many nieces and nephews. Rosemary is pre-deceased by her husband, John J. (Jack) O’Leary, her son John W. O’Leary, her brother William L. Ryan, her parents Leo W. and Hulda H. Ryan, and her brother and sister-in-law William and Barbara O’Leary.

Beyond music, Rosemary enjoyed travel, especially to the Adirondacks, and was also a talented artist. Rosemary always found the cup to be half full instead of half empty, and her upbeat take on life became an inspiration to everyone around her. Her kindness to others was unwavering, and will always be remembered by her family, friends and co-workers.

The family would like to thank Rosemary’s caregivers at Glenmere at Cloverwood, and more recently at The Friendly Home. All who touched Rosemary’s life and helped keep her smile in place are so appreciated!
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 24th at St. John the Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Rd., New Hartford, NY, with arrangements being made by Friedel Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.

If you’d like to make a gift in Rosemary’s name, please consider the ARC organization, in support of those afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, or JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).