Rosemarie "Rosie" Fox

East Haddam - Rosemarie (Czikowsky) Rowe Fox, 83, born June 27, 1928, of East Haddam, died peacefully Thursday, April 19, 2012, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, surrounded by her family, after a three month illness.

Rosie was a charter member of Grassy Hill Church and served as the clerk. She was a member of Lyme Grange #147 since 1944 and active in the Lyme Public Hall, the North Lyme Cemetery Association and the Lymes' Senior Center, where she adored her time spent and the camaraderie of her "sassy seniors". Rosie grew up in Lyme, attended the one-room Beaverbrook School House and Lyme Consolidated School through 8th grade and graduated from Old Lyme High School in 1946. After graduation, she worked for Dr. Burns of Hadlyme as a housekeeper and office worker. She was active in the Boy Scouts as a den leader. In her earlier years, she participated in revolutionary war re-enactments along with her son, Jeffery and best friend, Ruth Young and her son Philip. Rosie loved to travel and was fortunate to have been to England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hawaii and Alaska.

She enjoyed letters and notes from her daughters who live in Wyoming and Washington State. Rosie's love of nature propelled her to be instrumental in the Lyme Land Trust's acquisition of the 98 acre Czikowsky property in Lyme. Rosie had many interests, not the least of which was gardening. She kept a forest of plants in her basement through winter months. Her gardens were her pride and joy, along with her long time companions, Rocky and Lucky, her two cats. She loved the New York Yankees, UCONN huskies and Nascar racing. All who came in contact with her fell instantly in love with her ease of being, her grace and her compassionate zest for life. She will be sadly missed by many and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Jeffery Rowe (and Kathy) of Lyme; her beloved grandchildren, Timothy and Kristina Rowe of Lyme; her three step-daughters, Charlene Anderson (and Gary) of Olympia, Wash., Julie Kenney (and Mic) of Cody, Wyo., and Darlene Lloyd (and John, Matthew and David) of Bedford, Va.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Alice (Maynard) Czikowsky; her brother, Pvt. Frederick Czikowsky; her first husband, Eugene "Jack" Rowe; and her late husband, Charlie Carlton Fox.

Above all else, the one thing Rosie loved and valued most in her life was her family.

A Service of Celebration of Rosie's life will be held at 11 a.m. April 27, 2012, at Grassy Hill Church, Lyme. Burial will follow immediately after at the North Lyme Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. The family hopes you will join us at a reception at the Lymes' Senior Center following the burial to enjoy sweet memories of a beautiful lady.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grassy Hill Congregational Church, c/o Johnnie Johynson, 6 Tantummahaeg Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371.

To sign the online guest book visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com