Rosemarie Atkinson

Rosemarie Atkinson, age 75 of Litchfield Park, AZ died November 28, 2016 in her home, surrounded by family. She was born November 14, 1941 to John Gerace Sr. and Carmela Fondrisi-Gerace in the Bronx, NY, where she was raised before moving to Arizona in 1961. After spending a few years living in Geneva, Switzerland, she ultimately returned to Arizona and made it her home.

Rosemarie had amazing faith and her love and devotion to the Lord has prepared her for this next chapter. Rosemarie was at her happiest when her home was filled with family and friends. She was a tremendous cook and loved our family get-togethers, when she could fill the kitchen with food and laughs. She was a successful realtor in the State of Arizona, working alongside her husband Russell with John Hall and West USA. Rosemarie was looking forward to her upcoming retirement this February, 2017.

Rosemarie and Russell Atkinson were married on Valentine’s Day, 1986 and celebrated 31 years of love and happiness together.

Rosemarie is survived by her husband Russell Atkinson; daughter, Debora (Abram) and husband Dean Scarlett; son, Ryan Karylyle and wife Carrie; daughter, Tammy (Atkinson) and husband Jim McGaffe; daughter, Kelly (Atkinson) and husband Troy Magnuson; son, James Atkinson and wife Gail; grandchildren, Vanessa Rosemarie (her namesake), Michelley, Ella, Alaina, Emme, Mathew, Audrey, Teak, Connor, Sierra; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Melody, Hannah, Lydia, and Joshua.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carmela Gerace in 1971; father, John Gerace, Sr in 1972; brother, Joey Gerace in 1988; brother, John Gerace, Jr. in 1990; granddaughter, Megan Alise Atkinson in 2009; son, John Abram in 2010; great-granddaughter, Hailey Madison Ruiz in 2013; and grandson, Christopher John Ruiz “Buddy” in 2016.

Rosemarie read daily scriptures and would often post them on Facebook. This was the last scripture our mother posted:

Psalm 73:25

Whom have I in Heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00pm, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the Calvary Community Church, 12612 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85029. The church will be accepting flowers, however, if you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, please contact James Atkinson, 602-290-1395 to make a contribution to Rosemarie’s favorite charity.