ROSE MARY ELMI

ROSE ELMI Obituary

Rose Mary Elmi peacefully closed the last chapter of her life on Feb. 22, 2010. Rose Mary was born in Beloit, WI, the daughter of Frank and Francis Elmi, and a sister to Don and Dolores (Richard) Krueger. She was the proud aunt to Kristine and Richard Krueger, Peggy (Micky) Cobrin, and Frank (Cathy) Elmi. Her love extended to her grand-nephews and nieces Micky, Ali, Cristin, Elizabeth, and Donald. Although she left Beloit a long time ago, Rose Mary would often smile, and with great affection, speak of growing up "a kid on St. Paul Avenue". Rose Mary was a long time employee of Campbell-Mithun Advertising and Lord & Taylor at Water Tower. In accordance to Rose Mary's wishes, there was no wake or funeral service. We ask that you remember her as you knew her. She lived her life on her terms, has left a void, and will be missed.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for ROSE ELMI

5 Entries

Susanne Hoffmann

March 24, 2010

Rosie-Mary. Miss Elmi-Honey. Dear Friend. I, too, worked with Rose Mary at Campbell-Mithun. We were members of "the girls" from the time the group got together. Now there's a new hole in our ranks and in our hearts. There are so many stories -- funny and touching -- with Rose Mary at the center. She talked me into visiting Water Tower Place on our lunch hour shortly before it opened. Next thing I knew we were hired to work part time at Lord and Taylor. I loved to call her in Intimate Apparel and loudly ask "is this Underwear?". She never tired of it. Actually, she never tired of indulging me. I had to leave her to her retail career after a few months. We were going out to dinner after work every Monday and Thursday night (at Michigan Avenue prices), then we'd share a cab home. I couldn't afford her anymore. Around that time I spent Thanksgiving at Rose Mary's Lake Shore Drive apartment with the very loving Elmi family. She was a huge fan of Doris Day and Mitzi Gaynor. All American girls like she was. So many of our funny stories have Rose Mary at the center: her cross-dressing clients at L&T, her collection of slips, the bars of soap, the bag of cash she used to pay for the mink because she didn't have a checking (or charge) account. God bless you, friend. I miss you.

Mary Gremmler

March 24, 2010

Rose Mary was a dear dear friend. I met her in 1976 when I joined CM. She was always ready for a fun night out with "the girls". For years and years we celebrated each other's birthdays with dinner. Even after I left CM Rose Mary was still a close friend. I saw her last year when I took her out to lunch for her birthday and then again in the summer when we visited Linda & Greg at Gretchen's. That was the last time I saw her and she was in such a great mood and as witty as ever. I talked to her in late January and she sounded so tired. I will miss her always but I am glad she is at peace and not suffering anymore.

Mary Jennings

March 9, 2010

I was saddened to read of Rose Mary's passing in Sunday's Tribune. It has been many years since I've seen her but what a great gal. We met at Lord and Taylor in 1976 when I was transferred to the "Intimate Apparel" Department. I was a young manager and she was one of the "older girls". She brought great style to the department, was never late or missed a shift and could always be counted on for a witty comment or expression when we encountered an "interesting" customer. I was so impressed when she walked in one night in her new mink coat! We all ohhed and ahed over it and she said she decided to buy it for herself because no one else ever would!
Rose Mary paid me one of the nicest compliments I have ever received; one day she called me "maryness". When I looked at her in question she told me I was the epitome of the name "Mary"! I have always tried to live up to her opinion and working with Rose Mary is one of my fondest memories of Lord & Taylor!
Mary Jennings
Chicago

Jayne Schreiber

March 8, 2010

Rose Mary was a special person in the lives of our family. Shortly after she left Campbell Mithun, she would sometimes help me with my kids. They loved having her come over and I think she really enjoyed watching them grow up. She became like a second grandmother to them. She had a warm generous nature, a wry sense of humor and a real sense of style. She loved mystery stories, as do I, so we loved talking about which mysteries we had read. She was so excited when she got to go the Academy Awards. She loved her nieces and nephews and we so enjoyed hearing about them, we felt as though we knew all of them. She was a wonderful friend and we will all miss her. Warmly, Jayne, Eliot, Abby and Henry Schreiber

Philip R Harte

March 7, 2010

Rose Mary and I were close friends. We met at Campbell Mithun in 1972. She and Don were at my wedding in 1981. Sadly we drifted apart in the mid 1980s. I think the last time my wife and I saw her was at Lord and Taylor in the early 1990s. I called Don a few years ago to ask about Rose Mary, but he must not have gotten my message. Today by chance I found the notice in the Trib. I'm sad I wasn't able to see her again, she was a very special friend and a great lady. I hope the last years were good to her. She will remain in my heart and will be missed.

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