Rosemary O'Leary Rutland

Rosemary O. Rutland born in Belle Vernon PA on October 23, 1958 went home to be with the Lord on January 23, 2023 surrounded by her husband Thomas(Tracy) W. Rutland III of Dunwoody and brother and sister-in law Terry and Kim Rutland at AccentCare Hospice. Rosemary was preceded in death by her father, Robert E. O’Leary, mother Sarah Renstrom O’Leary and her brother Bobby O’Leary of Belle Vernon PA.

Following graduation from W&J College in 1980 and Lehigh University in 1982, Rosemary worked as a polymer scientist with Ball and the Coca-Cola Company. For Coke, Rosemary worked nationally and internationally as a packaging specialist in Mexico and, shortly after marrying Tracy, as an expat in Santiago Chile, Rosemary was on a 4 year assignment as the packaging manager for 5 countries in South America. Upon her return to Georgia, Rosemary graduated as Valedictorian of her class at the Art Institute of Atlanta with a focus on baking and pastry. Following graduation, Rosemary operated a personal chef business for 13 years, receiving recognition from her peers as Personal Chef of the Year in 2015. Rosemary shared her culinary talent by teaching classes at the Art Institute as well as at Cook’s Warehouse, various home classes and classes for Newel Rubbermaid . She went on to serve Chick-fil-a, Popeye’s, Krystal’s, and Honey Baked Ham in recipe development and food quality.

Investing in the lives of others was a priority in Rosemary’s life. In Santiago, Rosemary was installed as Deacon in San Marcos PCA Church where she developed relationships and helped discipleship in women and students as well as working with the orphanage supported by the church. The years that followed, Rosemary served as the co-chair of the Missions Committee at Dunwoody Community Church and she served her Lord at Buckhead Church in Atlanta in various roles including small group leadership in college ministry, marriage ministry, and women’s ministry, along with serving as a “Prayer Warrior” for the Care ministry and host team for the middle school ministry. Rosemary also served in various roles on many Walk to Emmaus teams but was most known in the Emmaus Community for her ability to lead worship with her beautiful voice and guitar music.

Rosemary’s heart for abandoned and neglected dogs led to significant work in dog rescue. Along with husband Tracy husband, she was involved in fostering, transporting, rehabbing, and helping to place more than 150 dogs. Connecting with and working for several rescues over 15 years including Lifeline at the Dekalb County Animal Shelter. She lived by the saying “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone”. The dogs in need are infinite and overwhelming but if you can save one dog by finding it a home, you are making a difference.

Rosemary’s Celebration of Life will be at the Buckhead Church Theater on Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 pm, Buckhead Church 3336 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:

• Georgia Jack Russell Rescue, Adoption, & Sanctuary https://tinyurl.com/gajackdonation

• Barkville Dog Rescue https://www.barkvilledogrescue.org/donate-now

• THE 501 EXCHANGE https://the501exchange.com/give/

• North Georgia Walk to Emmaus King's Retreat Roof Fund https://ngwte.org/donate-pay-online/ Be sure to click on +Add Special Instructions and type in NGWTE Kings Retreat Roof Fund in memory of Rosemary Rutland

In addition:

• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network -- https://tinyurl.com/pancandon

• CaringBridge https://tinyurl.com/caringdonation