Margaret Zema Rosbrook

1921 - 2015

SHERRILL >> Margaret Zema Rosbrook, age 93, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Sept. 16, 1921 in Barberton, Ohio, she was the eleventh child of Anna and Steven Zema. Margaret graduated from Barberton High School and shortly after, joined the World War II efforts as a member of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, serving three years duty. While serving in England, she met her future husband, Harry Rosbrook. Upon their honorable discharge, they were married in Barberton, Ohio, on May 31, 1947. Margaret and Harry settled in Sherrill, N.Y., and enjoyed a loving union of 37 years until Harry's death in 1984.
Margaret was a homemaker for her husband and seven children. She was known for her beautiful cakes, impressive catering and neighborhood parties. She was active in St. Helena's Church and spent many hours organizing the annual rummage sale for The Altar Rosary Society. She enjoyed being a scout leader at several levels for her children. Margaret was a member of Post 230 Sherrill Legion, a member of Home Bureau, and Catholic Daughters of America. She spent many years as an active participant at the Oneida YMCA, and was a recipient of the Don Connelly Breaking Barriers Award. Margaret enjoyed bowling at the CAC in Sherrill, and was known for her Easter egg collection, most of which were handmade. In her later years, Margaret and several lady friends enjoyed walking and attending area garage sales. Margaret was very proud of her years as a WAAC and loved to tell stories of those days. She enjoyed frequent visits from her children, relatives and friends. Margaret enjoyed traveling and had visited Indonesia, Zambia, Israel, China, Alaska, Thailand, India, Singapore, and Europe.
In her last year she was proud to be in the One Square Mile of Hope in Inlet, N.Y., a breast cancer fundraiser. She celebrated her 93rd birthday paddling in the canoe to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest free floating raft of canoes and kayaks.
Margaret is survived by her seven children: Linda Evans {Dwight, Gina and Tim Geroux, {Nathan, Madelyn, Lindsay}, Thomas Evans}, Jon Rosbrook, Gina Rosbrook {Jeffrey and Janet Wrensen, David Wrensen}, Peter Rosbrook, Christopher Rosbrook {Esther, Harry and Fatemah Rosbrook, Mariah Murray}, Mary Rosbrook {Opie Callahan} and Margaret Morenz {Matthew and Alex Morenz}.
Margaret was thankful to have been cared for by her seven children. The family would like to thank Margaret's special caregivers, Dee Tubbs and Linda Stedman for all the love and care they have given to our Mom over the past several years, enabling her to remain in her home. Special thanks to the angels from Hospice and Visiting Nurses Association, and to Dr. Marcia Newsom and staff for their help in keeping Mom comfortable with their love, guidance and nursing care.
Calling hours will be held Monday, June 29, 4-8 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home in Sherrill, N.Y. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Helena's Church, Primo Avenue, Sherrill, N.Y. Burial will be in St. Helena's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, N.Y., Oneida County Visiting Nurses Association Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare P.O. Box 479, Utica, N.Y. or St. Helena's Church.