Rosemary Brown

WEST WYOMING — Rosemary (Rusak) Brown, 92, of West Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 25, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Rosemary is predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Anthony. She is dancing with him now among the stars.

Rosemary was the daughter of the late John and Bertha Rusak. She was the last surviving of 10 children, having been predeceased by: Mary, Estelle, Matthew, Eugene, Stanley, Albert, Jane, Helen and Lois. She is also predeceased by her granddaughter, Anna Jorda, who took her grandmother's hand and led her to heaven.

Rosemary was the loving and supportive mother of four: Susan Brown-Peitz (Timothy); Deborah Ann Jorda (John); James Anthony Brown (Dreda); and Maryellen Brown (Miles). She always treated her sons- and daughters-in-law as if they were her own.

Rosemary was the proud and loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Adam (Tara), Joshua (Cathleen), Katharine (Enrique), Michael (Cassie), Jonathan (Stephanie), Kimberly (Abou), Jeffery (Lizbeth), Benjamin (Karissa), Lindsey, and Olivia. She was the adoring great-grandmother to: Nathaniel, Lily, Elise, Logan, Ousmane, Felix, Hailey, Haley, Margot, Rachel, Gloria, Timmy, Derek and Owen. They will always remember her open arms and generosity. "Take two, they're small."

Rosemary is also survived by her brother-in-law, Joseph Brown, and his wife Barbara; and several nieces and nephews.

Rosemary was born on Nov. 28, 1930, in Plains. She graduated from Plains High School. She married Tony on March 26, 1951 and, in 1952, they moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Rosemary was her happiest as a "city girl." She was tireless as a volunteer at her children's school, was the luckiest of bingo players, and enjoyed laughter and coffee with good friends. She was employed by Bristol Myers, always going to work with a smile after making sure that dinner was on the table for her family. Tony and Rosemary returned to Pennsylvania in 1970, building their home with a beautiful view of the Wyoming Valley. She worked at Luzerne Products for eight years. Later, she was the caregiver for her sister Estell, and her brother Stanley. She nursed her husband Tony in his last illness, and held him in her arms when he passed in 2021.

Rosemary loved word puzzles, was an avid reader and a savvy scrabble player. She enjoyed her weekly trips to the casino with her daughters, and her afternoons watching Blue Bloods.

But first and foremost, Rosemary was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her family, constantly growing by leaps and bounds, was everything to her. Each grandchild and later, each great-grandchild, brought her such pride and joy. All are grateful for the warmth of her love.

The Brown family is appreciative of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their care and support.

A memorial Mass will be held Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. in St. Frances Cabrini Church, 585 Mount Olivet Road, Carverton. Family and friends may pay respects at the church, prior to the Mass, from 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosemary's name to the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, 53 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Suite 120, Moosic, PA 18507.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bednarski Funeral Home, 168 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming.