Rosemarie Lesmeister

Rosemarie Lesmeister, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 29, 2022.

She was the loving wife of Lloyd for almost 75 years (just shy of 14 days), the mother of twins Jean (John) Henderson and Joan (Larry) Davis; and son, Jim (partner Maryann Gazdzik) Lesmeister.  She loved her five grandchildren, Bryce Davis (deceased), Chris Pepper (Thea) of CA, Cary Kelly (Ian) of NY, Lacy (Harlan) Johnston of TX, and Sarah Lesmeister of TX. Rosie was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Cole Pepper of CA, Simone & Sam Kelly of NY, and Lucus, Annabelle, & Thaddeus Johnston  of TX.

She leaves behind her sister, Mary Ann Hageman; brother-in-law, Don Lesmeister; as well as many good friends.

Although Rosie grew up in Chicago and wasn't raised as a country girl, she evolved as a true nature lover and flower gardener. She was an active member of the Countryside Garden club, being the longest active member of the club.

Rosie was special in many ways from her Leap Year birthday to her being an actual “Rosie the Riveter”, working briefly in a WWII munitions factory! Her other work involved managing a high school cafeteria.

Besides her gardens, Rosie enjoyed so many things from parties (especially her extended Leap Year un-birthday celebrations!), to reading, having coffee with her special friends and baking. Everyone loved her cookies and her popcorn balls were legendary. She was a real communicator, faithfully sending out letters, emails and cards to family, friends and Countryside Garden members.

She would love for you to pass forward a kindness to someone in her honor. The family held a private farewell but has planned a Celebration of Life service.

A Rosie Remembrance Lunch: A Celebration of a Life Well-lived on Sunday, May 1, at the Boulder Ridge Country Club, 350 Boulder Dr., Lake in the Hills. Please join us to drop by or stay for lunch if you can:

11-12:30 Greeting/Mingling/Viewing of photos/videos/displays

12: 30—1:00 Formal/informal remarks (Family will share special memories)

1:00- Lunch served

If you can join us for lunch, please RSVP by Mon. April 18th to Jean Henderson: jeanjohnh@gmail.com or 262-723-5414

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made In Rosemarie's name to a charity of your choice or to the Land Conservancy of McHenry County .