Rosemary Mcmanus Ware

ROSEMARY MCMANUS WARE

Florence, MA - Rosemary McManus Ware, 75, of Florence, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at The Elaine Center in Hadley.

Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on November 18, 1949, Rosemary was the daughter of the late John Leo and Mary Rose McManus. She grew up in Fitchburg, surrounded by a large and loving family that shaped her generous spirit and lifelong devotion to others.

Rosemary was a graduate of St. Bernard's High School and went on to attend Northeastern University, where she completed her nursing degree and was selected to give the graduation speech. From an early age, Rosemary was inspired by nurses like Clara Barton and dedicated her life to the care and well-being of others.

Her professional life reflected her compassion and sense of service. She worked with the Hampshire Community Action Commission, Riverside Industries, Sullivan School in Holyoke, and ServiceNet. As the beloved nurse at Sullivan School, Rosemary not only provided the proper dose of tender loving care to all those who visited her nurse's office but also established the annual Health Fair and the Morning Mile Club, in collaboration with the physical education teacher, to motivate students to stay active and healthy.

Above all, Rosemary lived for her children. Julianne and Christopher were the center of her world, and every decision, effort, and sacrifice she made reflected her love for them. She nurtured them with her characteristic tenderness, taught by example through her strength, and celebrated their joys as her own. Her love for them was steady and unconditional-a guiding light that shaped their lives and remains with them always.

Rosemary was deeply engaged with her community as a member of the League of Women Voters and as a passionate advocate for vulnerable people and the planet. She was known for her progressive spirit, her strong anti-war beliefs, and her unwavering kindness.

Outside of her professional and civic work, Rosemary found joy in nature and the simple pleasures of life. She loved walking through Look Park-especially along the Mill River-and was always on the lookout for new waterfalls to add to her list of experiences. She enjoyed gardening and never missed an opportunity to stop and smell the flowers. She was most at peace by the ocean with her family on Cape Cod, where she spent cherished days biking along the canal, making campfires, chasing sunsets, and donning a bubble wand to entertain the kiddos. Friends and family fondly recall her with a cup of tea in hand, a good book in her lap, a story at the ready, and, more often than not, a strong and heartfelt opinion on the importance of organic food.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Julianne Ware and Christopher Ware, both of Florence, MA; and her siblings Kathleen Barnicoat, John Leo McManus II, Julianne McManus, Margaret Andreadis, and Patricia Rudick. She was predeceased by siblings Terry McManus, Eleanor Carter, Michael McManus, Maureen Mahoney, and Stephen McManus. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were brighter for having known her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Czelusniak Funeral Home in Northampton, with calling hours from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and a service from 11:00–11:30 a.m.

Rosemary's family extends heartfelt thanks to her siblings, friends, and the compassionate medical staff who filled her later years with love and comfort.

She will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and the countless ways she made the world a gentler, more peaceful place for those around her.

Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.