Rose Marie Wilson

Her life was one of adventure and joy and enriched by a strong, close family and a host of truly great friends. She possessed a whimsical and unpredictable sense of humor that delighted her friends and family.

Rose Marie was a proud native Washingtonian, where she grew up. She moved to Raleigh 12 years ago from Gaithersburg, Md., to be closer to her children, and became an active member of the community. Among the many activities she engaged in were Pastoral Care and she also sang in the choir at St. Michael the Archangel of Cary.

Music was, in fact, one of the great joys of Rose Marie’s life. Music took her, with her choir at her previous church of St. Francis in Redland, Md., to Prague, Dublin, and Rome, where she and the choir performed in the Vatican.

Rose Marie was proud of being a bass singer in the international group Sweet Adelines, which performs acapella barbershop harmony.

Rose Marie loved to travel, and her suitcases were always ready. She went to Switzerland, Rome, California and loved Mardi Gras, where she was known to dress up in the spirit of the occasion.

Closer to home, she immensely enjoyed dining out with her family and friends, who quickly embraced Rose Marie and enjoyed her good humor. That sense of mischief transcended generations and her grandsons delighted in talking to her and spending time with her.

She was, in short, an adventurous, even fearless person who could engage her dining companions or visitors in a variety of subjects, and wasn’t afraid to test people she met through her family with some whimsy — a minor prank here and there. But if one quality defined Rose Marie more than any other, it was her compassion for those in need.

Her life was rich and full and marked by her generosity of spirit to friends and family. Rose Marie lived every moment with enthusiasm and gentleness, which is why her friends and family will remember her all their lives.

Surviving are four children: Allen Wilson (Carolyn) of Raleigh; Mary Lyda of Raleigh; Jeanne Griffith of Burke, Va.; Steve Wilson of Chapel Hill. Two grandchildren, Christopher Lyda and Matthew Lyda, both of Raleigh.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m., at St. Michael the Archangel of Cary. It will be followed by a reception after the service at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that those who want to honor Rose Marie do so with donations to the Interfaith Food Shuttle or to a charity of their choice.