Rosemary Catherine Kearney

June 25, 1924 - July 13, 2014

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Obituary For Rosemary Catherine Kearney

Rosemary Catherine Kearney of Raleigh, NC died peacefully on 7/13/2014 at home with family at her side.

She was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on June 25, 1924 and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1942. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart & future husband John J. Kearney. They were married on April 7, 1947. They remained in Pittsfield where they raised their family. She worked at GE Naval Ordnance Dept. until her retirement in 1982. She & John later moved to Williston, VT where they lived for 13 years before relocating to Raleigh in 2004 to be near family.

Rosemary was blessed with a rich & full life and will be remembered for her devotion to serving her family, especially with the love that emanated from her kitchen, and for her generous spirit. She made over 100 intricate Irish afghans and over the years gave them all away. She knew the names of the wildflowers, the stars and each of the migrating Spring Warblers & Fall Hawks. But more important to her was that God knew her name and inscribed her on the palm of His hand (IS.49:16)

She was predeceased by her parents William Bergain & Rose Menard Bergain as well as her sister Lucille Bergain Condron.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years John J. Kearney; son John J. Kearney Jr. & wife Marybeth of Dalton, MA; daughter Kathleen Andersen & husband Henry of Raleigh; 6 grandchildren, Kelly Parkington; Matthew Andersen & wife Beth; Karen Loyd & husband Keith; Emilee Legge & husband Michael; Colleen Kearney; Brian Kearney & wife Melissa. She also leaves 8 great grandchildren, Stephen, Samantha & Emma Parkington, Alyssa & Andrew Andersen, Grace Loyd, Arden Legge & Ryan Winchell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to, Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh NC 27607, or the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110 Raleigh NC 27612.

Services

16 Jul

First Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

St. Raphael the Archangel R.C. Church 5801 Falls of the Neuse Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »
16 Jul

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Raphael the Archangel R.C. Church 5801 Falls of the Neuse Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 01, 2020

    Eileen and Barb

    We have a daily memory of Rosemary because of the treasured afghan she made for us. We remember the happier times, when we saw Rosemary and John at family gatherings, along with Kathy and Henry and Marybeth and Johnand we remember our long chat at Stop and Shop. We remember Rosemary as a birder. One day she said, I think it was short-winged-hawks, that migrated and passed over Richmond. She wondered if we had seen them. We had not seen them, but her name comes up frequently, because she gave us an awarenessand we watch for the birds, and look them up if we don't recognize them. I remember her as extra-caring, and extra-sweet, with longstanding care about all of her family.

  • September 01, 2020

    joe martin

    Never had the chance to meet you but heard many good things from my uncle john to my parents and other family members Rip

  • September 01, 2020

    Elizabeth Weaver

    So sorry I missed her service but just found out about her passing last night. She was a blessing to others and was blessed to have such a wonderful family who loved and cared for her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers Love Elizabeth Weaver

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