Rosalie Huetteman

Rosalie Tavernit Huetteman

September 6, 1932 - November 28, 2024

Rosalie Huetteman, a long-time resident of Palos Park, passed away on November 28th, 2024 at 92 years old with family members close by. She is survived by her 5 children; Charlene (Vern) Piper, Dan (Gretchen), Carl (Julie), Larry (Nancy) and Dana (David) Bender. She was affectionately known as Nonnie to her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and Posy to close family members. Rosalie is predeceased by her husband Paul, and survived by her youngest brother, James. Spending time with family and teaching were two of the most important things in her life. She could most often be found drinking tea, playing Scrabble, and watching the birds and wildlife out her window. She loved and was deeply loved by all those who were close to her.

Rosalie was born in Republic, PA and was the 6th of 8 children lovingly brought into this world by her parents, Rose and Domenic Tavernit, both of whom were Italian immigrants. She honed her mothering skills at an early age while helping to raise her 2 younger brothers. She introduced them to the wonderful world of musicals while singing songs, reading and telling them stories. This continued to be a big part of her life, especially when she started a family of her own.

Rosalie skipped a grade in elementary school, left home for Detroit and started college at 16 years old. She graduated from Wayne State University and started her long teaching career. While working at summer camp, Rosalie met Paul and the relationship began. They were married in Detroit in 1955 and soon started a family. Rosalie's 7 siblings and Paul's 3 sisters all settled in the Detroit area, and not a weekend went by without a large family gathering for birthdays, baptisms and holidays.

During her career, Rosalie held several teaching positions in both Michigan and Illinois, sharing her wisdom with students in grades 3-8. She gained a reputation as a dedicated, tough but always fair English teacher. Her students continue to remember her fondly while sharing how she inspired them to achieve success. She raised 5 children, taught full time and kept the household running smoothly for many years. Ahead of her time, she was a career woman before it was fashionable. A talented and tireless cook, no one ever went hungry in her house.

Over the years, Rosalie and Paul maintained a perpetual Open House. They welcomed anyone passing through Chicago with open arms, hosting foreign exchange students, nieces and nephews, and her children's friends by offering up the house for spontaneous gatherings and overnight stays. There will never be a day that we won't miss her unselfish approach to life and her compassion for others. Rosalie was an amazing mother and teacher who challenged everyone to be their best.

There will be a special Memorial Mass for Rosalie at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14th at Our Lady of the Woods Church - 10731 W. 131st Street Orland Park, IL 60462. Burial of her remains will take place in Detroit at a later date. In lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor Rosalie's lifelong commitment to education, family and community may make donations in her name to The Mercy Home for Boys and Girls:

https://donate.mercyhome.org/page/148491/donate/