Rosemary Piotrowski's Obituary
Rosemary J. Piotrowski left this life on September 5, 2005 after a long and inspiring struggle against non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She was first diagnosed in 1998 and battled her disease with great humor, strength and courage. Rosemary was an inspiration to her family and many friends with her concern for others and her unwillingness to allow the disease to lessen her joy in living. Rosemary was born on September 16, 1926 in Amherst, the ninth of ten children of James A. and Rose M. Berto. She graduated from Amherst High School in 1944. She married Edward J. Piotrowski on September 21, 1946 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lanark, WI. Edward preceded her in death on January 11, 2003. She leaves behind her loving children, Stephen J. (Lynne), Madison, WI; Anthony J. (Judi), Colorado; Rita J. (Bill) Bailey, Houston, TX; Susan M. (Robert) Hintz, Belleville, WI. She is further survived by her grandsons: Ryan Piotrowksi and Philip Piotrowski, Colorado and Steven (Patti) Bailey and Gary (Pamela) Bailey, Houston, TX; and four great grandchildren: Mark, Jack, Luke & Emily Bailey of Houston. She is also survived by her brother: Fred (Ruthe) Berto, Amherst, WI. Besides her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by one daughter - Suzanne, and one son - Alan Davidson as well as seven brothers and one sister. Rosemary retired from Sentry Insurance in 1988 after 20 years and was a member of the St. James Altar Society, St. James Prayer Group, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Rosary Society, American Legion Auxiliary - King, Tomorrow's Quilters and the Amherst Red Hat Society. She served the Amherst Community on the village board as well as on the election board. Her hobbies included quilting, cross-stitching, flower gardening, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and she was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed traveling, having been across the United States and to Europe. Rosemary made an annual trip to Houston to see the International Quilt Festival. In 1999, Rosemary's exceptional quilting was recognized with a show sponsored by Tomorrow's Quilters that was attended by hundreds of people. She provided friends and family many beautiful quilts that reflected her deep spiritual commitment to her church, family and community. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, Amherst, at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 9th, with Father Robert Pedretti officiating, with burial at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Amherst. Friends may call on Friday, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation, St. James Building Fund or the American Cancer Society.
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