Rosemary C. Elliott

If you ever had the good fortune of being fed by Rosemary Elliott, chances are you were also deeply loved by her. Born on May 13, 1932 - the sixth of seven children - Rosie grew up in Centralia, Washington in a family that endured great hardship but raised her with joy, grit,

and generosity. After losing their home to a fire and enduring the loss of an older brother, the family rebuilt not just a house, but a life centered on resilience, humor, and

compassion - qualities Rosie carried forward in everything she did.

Rosie didn’t care much for formality. She showed up with homemade food instead of grand gestures, gave you her time instead of a speech, and proved love through action - always ready with a hot dish, a fresh bouquet from her “secret” garden, a hug, a perfectly iced carrot cake, or a story that made you laugh and cry in the same breath. She was even the first to coax a smile from her first newborn grandson.

Rosie was the proud mother of four: Kim (Steve); Jeff who passed away in 2019, (Barb); Karen (Patrick); and Tom (Christie). She adored her grandchildren and made each one feel like her favorite. She passed along to them her love of cooking, sports and gardening.

Over the years, Rosie wore many hats - Mother, Grandmother, Friend, Wife, Telephone Operator, Caterer, Restaurant Owner, Sports Fanatic (a die-hard Mariners fan), Country

Music Lover, Bingo Player, and quite possibly the best Clothes Ironer west of the Cascades. But above all, she was a master of providing comfort. She loved kids and puppies,

especially her loyal companion Danny of 13 years. Rosie made people feel seen, cared for, and completely welcome. She remembered everything – birthdays, childhood adventures, and family stories that otherwise would have been lost to time. She wanted people to know how much she loved taking care of her family and being a good friend.

She was the kind of person who graciously befriended an elderly stranger during jury duty and ended up giving her rides home and checking in on her for years afterward. Her love

had a ripple effect that spread through generations and communities. “Love Grows Where Rosemary Goes,” as the song said.

Her happiest moments were those when family and friends gathered. She loved to host birthdays and special occasions, prepare comfort meals, cookies for the kids, or snacks for the Mariners games. Funny movies and practical jokes were especially fun if it brought on a smile or laughter. Her laugh was contagious.

She passed away peacefully on April 4th in the home of her eldest daughter, Kim, in Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mable and Moses; all of her siblings - Robert, Catherine, Margaret, Marie, Martin, Bill - and her son Jeff. She will be deeply missed by her kids, grandkids, bonus great grandchildren and friends.

A Private burial will take place on May 9th at Holyrood Cemetery (205 NE 205th St,

Shoreline, WA 98155). Flowers sent will be placed there at her gravesite. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13th at the Aqua Club (18512 58th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA) from 1 – 4 pm. Bring a story, an appetite, and maybe a Mariner’s cap - Rosie wouldn’t have it any other way.

Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Rosie.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Rosie and her family.