Rosemary B. Davey

Rosemary Bridget (Geoghegan) Davey, a woman whose life was vibrant with compassion, intellect, creativity, and devotion, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2025. Her journey spanned 94 years, encompassing diverse roles from nurse, Bible student, artist, activist and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Born in Manhattan in 1931, Rosemary was the eldest of three daughters to Irish immigrants Patrick Geoghegan and Anne (McNulty) Geoghegan. She was preceded in death by her two beloved sisters, Margaret and Anne, in recent years.

Rosemary grew up in the Bronx where she and her sisters met their future husbands, all of whom were friends in the neighborhood surrounding St. Jerome's Catholic Church. In a testament to her independent spirit, Rosemary initially deferred a marriage proposal from her future husband Joseph to pursue a career as a nurse, graduating from the esteemed Bellevue Nursing School.

With their marriage in August 1953, "Rody" and Joe embarked on a 66-year journey together. Joseph advanced his career in the construction industry and Rosemary dedicated herself to managing their household and raising their four sons. This commitment led them from New York to Chicago and then to the Milwaukee area town of Oconomowoc, as Rosemary created a strong foundation for their family wherever they went. Despite the distance from each other, Rosemary, Margaret, and Anne nurtured their sisterly bonds.

Upon their return to the New York area in the 1960s, Rosemary embraced her community with vigor and became a driving force in her local parish, serving as President of the Women's Association. During this time, she continued her exploration of faith as a devoted student of the Bible, a pursuit she sustained late into her life. Her love for learning also led to a passion for painting, a creative outlet she cherished alongside her spiritual studies.

As her sons matured, Rosemary renewed her nursing career and joined the Westchester County Medical Center. Her dedication extended beyond patient care, as she emerged as a leader among her colleagues, advocating for the professionalization of the nursing field.

In their later years, Rosemary and Joe shared a love for travel, exploring the country and the world. Their retirement led them to Connecticut, where they again embraced their local Catholic church and cherished the company of family and friends. Following Joseph's passing in 2019, Rosemary remained a constant source of love and support for her sisters and their families, and the families of her sons Stephen, Paul, John Patrick, and Joseph.

Rosemary was able to make her surroundings more beautiful for herself, family and friends through her paintings, her home design, her special meals, and her warm presence. She continued to love her whole family and appreciated the love she received in return from her nieces, nephew, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and sons.

Rosemary will be remembered by all who knew and loved her as someone they could count on for encouragement, enthusiasm, and unconditional love. A Mass to celebrate her life will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southbury early next week.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something Rosemary would be pleased to know you did in her memory.