Rosemary Pearl Zamora

Age 95 of Coal City, Illinois, died Friday, December 13, 2024 at her home.

Born March 14, 1929 in Crestline, Ohio, Rosemary Pearl was a daughter of Starling and Margaret (Gearhart) Poth. She was raised and educated in Crestline where she graduated from high school with the Class of 1947. Rosemary then began her nursing education with Fairview Hospital, completing her Associates Degree in 1950. It was there that she met Dr. Jose Zamora, and on July 10, 1954 they married and began their life together. The family relocated to Manhattan and New Lenox in the 1950's until Jose was drafted into the United States Army, during which time Rosemary and family lived on base with him. Afterwards, they relocated back to the Joliet area where Jose established a medical practice and Rosemary would raise their family. She was devoted to her children, making sure she was an advocate for them and their biggest supporter in all of their activities.

Rosemary was an avid gardener and demonstrated her resourcefulness by canning or freezing much of their vegetable garden to provide for their family in between growing seasons. She also took great pride in maintaining the family home, making sure that the yard was meticulously landscaped. 

During the 1970's, Rosemary began to utilize her nursing skills by assisting the Coal City School District's school nurse. She then made the decision to go back to school to finish her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Rosemary became the full time school nurse, holding the position for seventeen years until her retirement. It was then that she embraced the role of grandma, relishing the opportunity to be an active participant in her grandchildren's lives.

Rosemary had many talents, including sewing and crafting clothing for all of her children while growing up. She kept her mind sharp and active, finding great pleasure in solving crosswords and jumble puzzles. Rosemary also had a great love of all animals, but especially her German and Australian Shepherds. Family was most important though, making a point to travel and visit with them as much as possible. She was truly devoted to caring and serving others and will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.

Survivors include five children: Mark Zamora (Diane Ridder) of Plainfield, Illinois, Marta (Joe Chapman) Zamora of Coal City, Dr. Nancy (Andy Madorsky) Zamora of Chicago, Illinois, Kathey (Bill) Starkey of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Ray (Beth) Zamora of Naperville, Illinois; ten grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren; one sister, Carol (Loren) Gledhill of Crestline, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jose Zamora, one brother, Charles and two sisters, Ruth and Joyce.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A funeral procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood will immediately follow for committal services at 1:00 p.m. 

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Rosemary's memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815-634-2125)