Rosemary (Stefanski) White

Rosemary S. White of Kentwood, MI. formerly of Clarklake , MI. passed away 9/19/2016. Born in Chicago 6/13/1924 to John and Olive (Frey) Stefanski. Rosemary graduated from Aquinas girl's high school at the tender age of 16. Regrettably, due to the great depression, was unable to use her scholarship to Sienna Heights. She thrived during her attendance at Univ. of Chicago and was enrolled at the time the atom was split! WWII was erupting when she was compelled to enlist in the Navy. Her time was spent in D.C., just steps from the Pentagon, predominantly working on such matters as the Manhattan Project. After the war she returned to Chicago, married, moved to Clark Lake Michigan and raised a family. She eventually went on to work and retire from JCC. After retirement she resided in Florida for 11 yrs. Rosemary was a voracious reader, a natural at the piano, loved opera and knitted thousands of hats and mittens for children at the Indian missions. Her love of travel was fulfilled with trips to Europe, the UK, South and Central America, Mexico and enjoyed many tours of the USA and Canada. She even enjoyed a few imaginary voyages during her last years, as she was afforded an outstanding imagination. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Olivia Downey, and grandson Marcus Greene. She is survived by her children, Betsy (Jim) Greene, Kate Dedow, Tom (Carol) White, Margot (Phil) Ruede, Pat White-McGrath, and Amy (Scott) Miller. Her grandkids, Tom, and Jason Greene, Megan Ruede, Melissa and Kimberly Miller, and 3 greats. A celebration mass, with military honors, will be November 5, 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita's Church of Clarklake, luncheon to follow. Thank you to Elmcroft of Kentwood, and Emmanuel Hospice of Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or the Jackson District Library, Brooklyn Branch, are welcomed.

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