Rosemary Leahy Richard

July 14, 1922 - January 22, 2019

Born in Portland, Rosemary was the eldest and only daughter of James and Minnie Leahy. A lifelong resident of Portland, she attended The Madeline grade school and graduated from Grant High School in 1940. Rosemary attended Marylhurst College graduating in 1944 with degrees in Sociology and Home Economics. She worked for several years with Catholic Charities and Christie home for children.

Rosemary married John Richard on August 30,1945. They were married for 66 years until his death in October of 2011. While raising her family, Rosemary worked periodically with her mother who had a small business calculating quarterly interest rates for banks prior to the advent of computers. Additionally, she worked full time for 15 years at Local 1092 Federal Credit Union. After raising their children, John and Rosemary were able to travel. Among their journeys were Hawaii, Tahiti, New Foundland, Alaska and Spain. Rosemary also traveled to Germany with her daughter, Barbara. Rosemary was a doll collector who also loved gardening, sewing, knitting and quilting. Her children and grandchildren were recipients of many beautiful handmade gifts. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, attended weekly adoration at St. Agatha Catholic Church and was a member of the altar society at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Every other week, Rosemary took her kids to the local library, where each one left with a large stack of books. To this day, all children are voracious readers and hoarders of books.

Rosemary is survived by her son Michael (Paula) of Brush Prairie, WA; daughters, Rosanne (Evelyn Pech) of Salem, Frances (Jerry) Conedera, Barbara (Richard) Sanderman and Elizabeth Richard (James Eikrem) of Portland. Her brother John H. Leahy of Milwaukie; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; sons Peter, Timothy and Anthony; brother James Leahy and daughter-in-law Candy Richard.

A closed casket vigil and rosary will be held on Sunday, January 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zeller Chapel of Roses. Requiem mass will be said by Rosemary’s grandson, Fr. Sam Conedera, SJ at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 28 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Interment will be Monday afternoon at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate a book to your local Catholic school.