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Rosemary Erickson Obituary
May 8, 1932 - August 25, 2022
Sunnyvale, California - Rosemary Farnsworth Erickson (Rosie) passed away on August 25, 2022, at the age of 90 in Sunnyvale, CA. Rosie was born in Fort Smith, AR to Earl and Mildred (Mendenhall) Farnsworth. She graduated from Fort Smith High School, where her Father was Principal and earned her degree from the University of Arkansas.
Rosie met Leland S. Erickson (Lee) on a blind date when he was in the Army. They were married in June 1954. After Lee was discharged, they moved to Fresno, CA where Rosie taught first grade and Lee finished his degree at Fresno State College.
Her professional career was varied, from substitute teaching to serving as editor of the California Courier. Later, she built a craft business, Baskets by Rosie. A lifetime member of the Presbyterian church she sang in the choir and served in a variety of roles. Rosie was a "Queen" of her Red Hat group, the Fresno Raisin Queens. Avid sports fans, Rosie and Lee regularly cheered on the Fresno State Bulldogs and the SF Giants.
Rosemary was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Leland Erickson. She is survived by her daughter Jann (Erickson) Schultz and husband, Doug; her son Scott Erickson and wife Perrie (Taylor); her brother Justin Farnsworth; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Ave, Fresno, CA 93710 on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10:00am.
Remembrances may be made in the name of Rosemary F. Erickson to the CSU Fresno, Kremen School of Education and Human Development Scholarship Fund, 5005 N. Maple Ave, MS ED1, Fresno, CA 93740.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rosemary Erickson
5 Entries
Doug Lowe
September 11, 2022
Doug Lowe
September 11, 2022
Doug Lowe
September 11, 2022
Rosie has been such an important part of my life since she first trimmed my hair at McLane for a parade. She was such a delight to be around -- any event was better if she and Lee were there. At potlucks at UPC I would try to sit at the same table as the Ericksons. I often sought and trusted her and Lee's advice.
When we did a production of A Charlie Brown Christmas at UPC, she was the star of the show. I wish I had pictures of that!
But here are a couple of pictures from our wedding in 2013. We asked Rosie to read Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 ("Let me not to the marriage of true minds..."). She was so worried about it, wanting to get every syllable just right, get the cadence of the poem down perfectly. I had so much fun working with her on it, and at the wedding she absolutely nailed it!
I will never forget her. Love to you all!
Pastor Stephen E. Carlson
September 10, 2022
To the family of Rosemary: She was a faithful & enthusiastic attender of our monthly Jazz Mass at Hope Lutheran Church, & I always looked forward to her wonderful smile. She had a strong faith, & I pray our Lord will comfort you in this time.
Pastor Stephen E. Carlson
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Neptune Society of Central California - Fresno1154 West Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711
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