Rosemary Elizabeth Mackin
February 3, 1924 ~ June 14, 2009
Rosemary Elizabeth Schatz Mackin, 85, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa , died Sunday, June 14, 2009.�� Services:��10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, St. Matthew Catholic Parish, by the Rev. Mark Osterhaus.�� Burial following the Mass at Mt. Cavalry Cemetery.�� Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. today at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a wake service at 6:00 p.m., and after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. ��Rosemary was born February 3, 1924, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.�� She grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River with her parents, Francis and Marie, her maternal grandparents, Peter and Marie Blees, and her sisters, Margaret, Loretta, Jeanne and Frankie. �� Two sisters, Joan and Lucille, died in infancy.�� Rosemary loved the river where she swam, fished and dove off railroad bridges.�� She enjoyed tennis, skiing, and ice skating on Lake George.�� She graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, and the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry.�� She first worked as a researcher with Jonas Salk at Parke-Davis in Detroit , and then in the Ophthalmology Department at the University of Iowa where she taught and worked on a treatment for uveitis. While in Iowa City she met Gerard (Jerry) Mackin.�� They married on September 6, 1947, and had three daughters, Anne, Susan and Sarah.�� Rosemary was a devoted wife, giving lifelong care and support to Jerry, and a wonderful mother. In the late 1960's Rosemary joined Jerry at Mackin Paint Co. as a color and wallpaper specialist, and subsequently worked at Barney's Paint and Wallpaper.�� She played the piano, loved doughnuts, Valentine's Day, and picking strawberries.�� She was a talented artist who drew whimsical ink drawings and made beautiful jewelry.�� She made great pies, ice cream and fudge; and enjoyed opera, Elvis and big band music.�� She was a kind and generous friend to many, and to the end of her life had a keen intelligence and quick wit.�� She was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. Matthew Catholic Parish. ��Rosemary is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Sarah's husband, Larry Goscha, sister-in-law Sister Therese Mackin, and other extended family. In lieu of flowers, please extend a special kindness to someone you love.�� Donations may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Parish or the charity of your choice.
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Anne, Susan & Sarah: Please accept my condolences. You have been supportive daughters and models for others in the grief process. Love. Cousin Pat
Anne: I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I can always remember how she used to bring treats and other items to our class at St Patricks. I can still see her walking up to the windows of our 1st floor class room. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely David Campagna Bettendorf Iowa
Anne, I was so sorry to discover that your mom had passed away. I know how much she meant you, and I am thinking of you, and sending support for you at this very difficult time. If there is anything I can do here in Boston, please let me know! My sympathies to your sisters and family.
Anne,
I just heard the sad news about your mother. I know words provide little comfort during this sad time, so I just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you and your family. If there is anything we can do for you (back in Boston), please let us know.
Dear Susie,Annie,and Sarah,
I am not very good with some things in life, actually life in general. I was not good at keeping contact but I thought about Rosemary almost daily.Seeing the most incredible color combination in sunsets and flowers of Hawaii and thinking; Rosemary would love these colors together. She always said that if God put those colors together so can we. My moving to Hawaii was necessary for my survival but living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes it difficult to keep in contact with those I love in Iowa. I know I am getting older but for some reason I always assume no one else changes. I have wonderful memories of my friendship with Rosemary and I will always treasure them.
There are few people that have made such an impact in my life. Rosemary was one of the very few. I learned so much from her about so many things. I loved her very much and she will always be in my heart.
My thoughts and love are with you and no words can make it any easier. I never thought that when this day came I would not be able to be there, But then I really never thought this day would come.
Anne: David and I are thinking of you. I am so, so sorry. When I told David he said, “but Anne is my best friend in your office. Is she sad?”. So, know that both of us are sending you hugs.
We send our deepest sympathy at the loss of Rosemary Elizabeth Mackin. We are thinking of you at this time of your loss. Love and thinking of the time — that heals all wounds.
Best —
Eleanor j. newhoff
Anne~
Your Mother was indeed a very lovely person; she reminds me a lot of my Mother through the characteristics you’ve written. The “in lieu of flowers” message was especially beautiful.
It was a pleasure talking with you, Anne. I hope to hear from you again – under better circumstances. Our family at Cardthartic grieves the loss in yours…
Sincerely,
Betsy Coble