Rosemary, the daughter of Mary Browne Kearney and Joseph John Kearney, was born and raised in the city of St. Louis and had no desire to live anywhere else. A first generation American, she was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and passed that pride to her children from their early childhoods. She attended Mount Carmel Elementary School in Baden, Nerinx Hall, and St. Mary’s Academy in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Rosemary loved music and learned to play several instruments as she grew up. Over time, however, she became an accomplished pianist. Her children often asked their mother to play for them, and she did, her favorite work being Claude Debussy’s Claire du Lune. She will be remembered for her kindness and compassion, her openness of mind, her deep spirituality, her generous devotion to her family, her laughter, and her love of a good pun and practical jokes. The years she spent working at the St. Louis Public library in downtown St. Louis always held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed being productive and valued the companionship of her co-workers.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Heitert, an infant son, Joseph Heitert, grandson, Kenneth Heitert, and her siblings, John Kearney, MaryCatherine Crump, Joseph Kearney, and Ann Glenville. She is survived by her children Robert (LuAnn), Kathleen Wilkinson (James), Michael, Bridget Bogard (Steve), Daniel (Barbara) Patrick (Peggy), Thomas (Sherri), Margaret Kitchen (Harold), and Dennis (Libby), by 18 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, who loved her without reservation as the matriarch of their family. Through the efforts of her children, she continued to live in her own home until she was nearly 99 years old. As per her wishes, she died there. In keeping with her deep humility and generosity of spirit, Rosemary made arrangements to donate her body to the medical school of St. Louis University. We will not see the likes of her again … she was a rare and precious jewel.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 10am at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 6303 Nottingham Avenue Saint Louis MO 63109.
If desired, Masses or contributions in Rosemary's memory to the BackStoppers would be greatly appreciated by her family.
Please leave a favorite memory of Rosemary for her family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.
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