Rosary Frances (Lima) Damptz

Rosary Frances Damptz, age 95, died on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 at the Lexington Health Care Center of Lake Zurich, IL.  Rosie was born on Jan. 21, 1926, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Italian immigrant father Natali and Laura Lima (Pampinella) of Chicago.  She met George J. Damptz through a pen pal relationship while he was serving in the U.S Navy during WWII, and they married on Oct. 13, 1946.

Growing up in a tough neighborhood during the depression, Rosary learned the value of hard work, perseverance and helping others.  She mostly worked outside the home while raising five children and was particularly proud of her 18-year Sam’s Club career that began after she reinvented herself following George’s passing in 1991.  She was very active in her church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Crystal Lake, IL and for many years served on the Pastoral Council and many parish ministries that helped people cope with common life challenges.  Our great friend, mom, grandma, great gramma, sister, aunt, and cousin, Rosie is lovingly remembered for so many thing; especially for her awesome sense of humor, attention to the details of taking care of herself, thoughtful greeting cards with $2 bills for every holiday, little trinket gifts given often and for no particular reason, ceramics & decoupage artistry, her home made Cannoli, Cucidati and “Dan’s favorite cookies,” but most of all for the difference she made in the everyday lives of so many.

Rosary is preceded in death by her parents, husband, eldest son Michael, and brother Nate Lima.

She is survived by her son, Tom, Woodstock, IL, his two sons and two great grandsons; her daughter, Patti Gallion, Wausau, WI, her three sons and one daughter; her daughter, Gerri Meverden (Jay), Wausau, WI, and their two daughters and one son, and four great grandchildren (plus another great granddaughter born 2/20/21); her son Dan (Cathy) Stillman Valley, IL, their four daughters and six great grandchildren (plus another two great grandchildren on their way); also her late son, Mike’s three sons and five great grandchildren.

Rosary is also survived by a brother Jim (Erna) of Cape Coral, FL and many nieces, nephews and cousins, geographically spread out.  She is further survived by her dear friends who held her up until the very end; Hazel Balfour, Anne Emmerich, Linda Torgerson, and Sheila Arison.

A Memorial Mass for Rosary will be held at 10:30am on March 20, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 1023 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. No visitation will be held before the mass. Facemasks and social distancing are required in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines.