Rosemary D. Borghoff

Rosemary D. Borghoff, age 94, passed away too soon on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Mrs. Borghoff was born in Brooklyn, NY to Alexander and Dorothy Lawson on September 5, 1925. During her formative years, Rosemary was educated in Sag Harbor in Long Island, NY and enjoyed her high school years in Jersey City, NJ. After high school, Rosemary was hired at RCA in New York City. Her children loved to hear her stories of her adventures of working in Manhattan during WWII. In 1947 Rosemary married Ed Borghoff, and together they raised 5 children.

Rosemary had a very busy life with her children in River Vale, NJ, where they lived for 37 years. During this time Rosemary joined Ed’s family business, National Air Filter of NJ, where she began with small tasks that grew into a full time job. Rosemary became an integral part of the business where she functioned as Office Administrator until the happy couple decided to retire to Florida. Retirement was fantastic for them. They loved traveling to Europe, took lots of cruises, traveled many times to Hawaii, and all over the country. They always made time for their kids and grandkids by visiting them or hosting them. Rosemary was keen on family reunions. Her incredible zest for life, love and affection for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, made these reunions happen frequently. Rosemary happily resided at Waltonwood Cary Parkway, in Cary NC for the last 6 years. The care she received there was wonderful, and her love for life and passion for meeting new people continued. Up until her last day of life, Rosemary was excitedly planning her 95th birthday celebration with her family and friends.

Rosemary remained true to her Roman Catholic faith and her love for Jesus Christ. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Edwin Borghoff. Also preceded in death was her brother Al Lawson, sister Doris Lawson, and very special nephew, Dennis Granzen.

Rosemary is survived by son Don Borghoff (Kathy Borghoff) Washington Twp., NJ, and daughters Patty Borghoff (Rick Chang) The Villages, FL, Nancy Borghoff, Indian Harbour Beach, FL, Joanne Malouf (Abdallah Malouf) Raleigh, NC, and Susan Borghoff (Mike Perry) Cary, NC. She is adored by her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, Brian Borghoff (Andrea Borghoff), Kristin Cheeseman (Kevin Cheeseman), Jennifer Fitzgerald (Mike Fitzgerald), Joe Borghoff, Meredith Franco (Stephen Franco), Allyson Merlino, Michael Merlino, Raymond Malouf (Amy Malouf), Natalie Malouf, Tiana Hertenstein (Brian Hertenstein), and Maria Borghoff Perry (John Russell). Lovingly cherished are her great-grandchildren now and forever, Kevin Cheeseman, Gracie Franco, Jack Franco, Thomas Malouf, Abigail Malouf, Christopher Borghoff and Colin Fitzgerald. Rosemary also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will be invited to attend a memorial service at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh, NC, though the date is not determined as yet. This service for Rosemary will occur after the coronavirus pandemic allows, and information will be updated with that date and time. Inurnment will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida where Rosemary will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Edwin A. Borghoff, WWII Army Air Force.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a charity of your choosing.