Rosemary Rich

1930 - 2017

Rosemary Rich
longtime Chelmsford resident

CHELMSFORD -- Rosemary Rich, 86, a longtime Chelmsford resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2017. She was the devoted wife of James E. Rich, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 8, 1930, Rosemary was one of four sisters born to James and Gladys (Samaras) Carr, who lovingly raised their children in Newton Corner, Massachusetts. A 1948 graduate of Newton High School, Rosemary and her husband Jim were married in 1951 and lived in Newton Corner until 1961, when they moved to Chelmsford to raise their growing family.

Rosemary devoted her life to raising her five children, four boys and one girl. She was an excellent cook who made her home very warm and inviting. An enthusiastic sports fan, Rosemary would often be seen with Jim cheering at their children's and grandchildren's athletic contests. After her children were fully grown, Rosemary took up racquetball in her fifties and became an excellent player, bringing home many tournament trophies and frequently defeating opponents many years younger than her.

To help finance the college educations of her 5 children, Rosemary worked in Chelmsford High School's cafeteria, where she befriended many co-workers, faculty members and a countless number of students.

Rosemary was a faithful and active member of the Central Congregational Church, where she and Jim made many good friends. She served the church as a deaconess and as a member of KiSeLo (Kindness, Service, and Love), the women's fellowship group. Also, for many years, Rosemary displayed her acting talents as a cast member of the church's drama club productions.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, James E. Rich Jr., and his wife Jacqueline of Manchester, MA, William F. Rich and his life partner Michael Fowler of Andover, MA, Bruce C. Rich and his wife Margaret of Newburyport, MA, Steven A. Rich and his wife Sharon of Sandwich, MA, and Linda E. Rich of Worcester, MA; ten grandchildren, Bruce, Sarah, Eddie, Jenny, Timmy, Brandon, Meghan, Erica, Morgan and Jake; three great-grandchildren, Max, Sebbie and George; a sister, Anita Eldridge and her husband James of Indialantic, FL; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Gilbert of Newton, MA and Marion Rich of Burlington, MA. She was the sister of the late Sally Deering and Irene Murphy.

RICH -- Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 6th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 7th, at 10:00 AM, in the Central Congregational Church, One Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH. Interment will be held privately. For those who wish, donations in loving memory of Rosemary can be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children--Boston (shrinershospitalsforchildren.org). For condolences or directions please visit www.chelmsfordfuneralhome.com.