Rosie Langley

Rosalie Helen Howlett Langley, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, died April 18 in Louisville after a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. She was 76. "Rosie" was born Sept. 14, 1945 in Louisville to Helen Gordon Howlett and Chester Howlett, graduated from duPont Manual High School in 1963 and spent decades working in customer service, sales and logistics for several companies in Louisville, Columbus, Ohio and Fort Myers, Fla. In addition to being loved by many human family members and friends, Rosie was chosen to shepherd through life several cherished pets, including among others, poodles Nikki and Sascha; Petey, who may have been the largest domesticated cat ever, and most recently Fancy the Cat. Rosie was an avid college sports fan, especially of the Louisville Cardinals, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and TV murder mysteries. Rosie's faith, and fellowship and connections with her church families over the years were important to her, including during the last several years at Fort Myers Christian Church, where she was a member. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Chester Morris Howlett. She is survived by her sister, Gaynel Howlett Royse (Mike) of Bay Harbor Islands, Fla; sister-in-law Anne Howlett of Louisville; nephews David Royse (Jessi) of Chicago, Ill., Aron Howlett (Machilla), Will Howlett (Tracy), Jason Howlett (Dodie) and Neil Howlett (Candace), all of Louisville, and several grandnieces and nephews, as well as a great grandniece and great grandnephew. Rosie also is survived by a family particularly close friends, Tahra and Scott Lehman, and their children, Maddie and Jake, of Fort Myers. Rosie watched Maddie and Jake grow up and loved them as if they were her own family. Among those also left to mourn were two more close friends, Evie Hallam and Maria Tscherteu, of Fort Myers, who helped care for Rosie after her diagnosis. Rosie's "blood" family is forever grateful for these "extra family members," who were so important to her. No funeral services were held, but a family remembrance will be planned. If you wish to make an expression of sympathy, Rosie would have appreciated gifts to the ASPCA, or to Kosair Charities.