Rosemary Bennett

Feb 9, 1922 -

Apr 5, 2020

Rosemary Baker Bennett of Rhododendron, Ore., died peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 5, 2020. Rosemary was born in Brooklyn New York on Feb. 9, 1922, to Ed and Ethel Baker, the fifth of nine siblings. In 1943, she graduated from Mary Immaculate Hospital School of Nursing. In 1944, during World War II, she met and married Ross Bennett and began their lives in Chicago, Ill. Sailing on Lake Michigan with friends was the beginning of their adventures together. The "big" adventure started in 1949 as they packed up and drove to Alaska where they homesteaded in Homer living "off grid" for 5 years. Then to Anchorage where they raised their daughter Rita. Ross died in 1975 and Rosemary remained in Anchorage until 1988, when she retired from nursing and joined Rita and her family in Portland, Ore. She drove down from Alaska with her dog Cisco. Her arrival was marked by her honking horn all the way up the street to our house. We were so happy to have her in Oregon.

Rosemary became active in the area Senior Center where she met many new friends. She enjoyed playing bridge at least twice a week, delivered meals for Meals On Wheels and was active in her church, regularly attending daily Mass. She frequently enjoyed going to plays in Portland and Ashland. Her first venture to Portland was driving to Powell's Book Store, where she spent many afternoons thereafter. Most of all Rosemary was delighted to spend time with her grandchildren Rachel and Brad who absolutely "adored" her. She enthusiastically attended countless school and sporting events along with taking them "wherever" they needed to go.

Rosemary was a rock for her grandchildren. Both referred to Grandma as their "favorite" person. Rachel now lives in Beaverton, Ore., with her family and Brad and his wife reside in Atlanta, Ga. Rosemary once said if she could live long enough to become a "GG" she will have done everything she wanted in life. She was blessed with four "greats." Last fall Rosie was able to fly (first class!) with Rita and her best friend Mary to see Brad and Farnoosh in their new Atlanta home. Rosemary was a devout Catholic of enormous faith, she was quick-witted, kind and fun. A dignified lady with an even temperament, Rosemary was the voice of reason for many. Rarely missing Jeopardy - of course with a glass of Chardonnay - she often answered the questions correctly before the contestant rang the bell. Rosemary lived a long and good life.

Her last word was "happy." She is and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She leaves behind her daughter, Rita; granddaughter, Rachel (Ryan, great-grandchildren, Liam, Aidan, Muirin and Cohen); grandson, Brad (Farnoosh); sister, Barbara of New York; and several nieces and nephews. When the pandemic allows, there will be a funeral Mass and a Celebration of Life.

Interment will be at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, Portland.