MADISON-Rosemary L. Johnson, age 71, ended her courageous battle with cancer on December, 25, 2014, and she has begun the next phase of her journey. She was born on May, 19, 1943, to Fred and Dora Hoffman, and was raised in Fitchburg, WI. She was one of 9 children, sharing a very small family home, and learning the life-long lessons of sharing, caring, and supporting others, which she would continue on with her family. During her high school years in Verona, she met her sweetheart, Ron Johnson, and eventually the two would marry on September 28, 1963. They would spend their life together, celebrating their 51st anniversary in 2014. They raised a daughter and son together in the Madison/Middleton area.
Rosemary worked at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Agency for several years as the Office Administrator. Eventually she would change careers and work as a Receptionist for Cuna Credit Union until she retired, to enjoy more time with her family and grandchildren. Rosemary also spent time supporting organizations near and dear to her heart and her son, including Special Olympics and The ARC of Dane County, as well as being a member of the Catholic Church, and St. Thomas of Aquinas Parish since 1987.
Rosemary enjoyed traveling to their annual vacation spot of Hilton Head Island each fall, relaxing, combing the beach for seashells, and enjoying time with friends and family that would accompany them on the trips. She and Ron also traveled across the U.S., as well as to other corners of the world, exploring new destinations, learning about their heritage, and visiting extended family, including trips to London, Switzerland, and Norway.
Rosemary was the beloved mother of son Jeffery, daughter Debbie, and son-in-law Mitch. She was not only a mother to her children, but would eventually become their best friend, laughing, celebrating accomplishments, sharing important moments, and providing guidance and advice through life's challenges. She was the proud and endearing Nana to her grandchildren, Ryan, Emily, and Nicole. For Rosemary, her family was her everything.
Christmas was Rosemary's favorite holiday, and it is only fitting that she would leave us on a day when she experienced and shared so much joy and laughter throughout her life.
Rosemary is survived by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren; sisters Maggie Daniels, Heidi (Marv) Milleville, Helene Alexander, Jean (Glenn) Mueller; brothers Paul (Deb) Hoffman, Jack Hoffman, and Dan Hoffman; brother-in-law Michael (Eleanor) Johnson, and sister-in-law Peg Schmidt. She was preceded in death by sister Gloria, and parents Fred and Dora. Rosemary leaves behind loving memories filled with laughter and joy, a kind and gentle heart, and an ever-present spirit that will live on in her family and friends. We feel blessed to have had her with us to share in life, and although we will miss her dearly, we will always hold her close to our hearts and thoughts, and smile as she smiles upon us. We love you Rosemary.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rosemary will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Dr. in Madison with Fr. Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be 4-7 PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue in Madison and will continue from 10-10:45 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at the church. Burial at Sunset Memory Gardens will follow mass on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Agrace Hospice
www.agrace.org
.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her surgeon, Dr. Alan Lozier, her oncologist, Dr. Shannon O'Mahar, and the entire staff of Agrace Hospice for their care, compassion, and support for Rosemary during her journey.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
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www.cressfuneralservice.com
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