- Date Of Birth: January 19, 1941
- Date Of Death: December 29, 2017
- State: Virginia
Rosemary D. Callaghan, age 76, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017 in Richmond, VA. She had suffered a stroke and brain trauma on Christmas Eve. Her family stayed by her side for days until she took her last breath. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, neighbor, and friend. Rosemary was born on January 19, 1941 in Jersey City, NJ, to the late John Patrick and Helen (McLaughlin) Donohue. She was raised in Jersey City where she met and began dating her future husband, Brian, when they were 15 years old. Following high school, she joined the Sisters of Charity in Convent Station, NJ, where she spent 8 years devoting her life to God and teaching elementary and middle school. After reconnecting with Brian before he left for Vietnam, Rosemary left the Order. They were married on April 20, 1968. Rosemary and Brian had three children—Joseph, Brian, and Erin. After a short period as an Air Force wife, Rosemary moved with Brian to raise their family in Washington Township, NJ; Randolph, NJ; and then Fairfax Station, VA. Rosemary was the best wife and mother anyone could ask for. She devoted herself to her children, teaching them everything from ordinary skills to important life lessons. She believed they should all know how to load a dishwasher, do their laundry, properly make a bed, always do your best, and show kindness and compassion to all. Her love for her husband Brian was deep and unending, filled with mutual devotion, respect, humor, patience, and above all, love. She was devoted to volunteering within her community and church, and counseled many young couples on what to expect in marriage, and how to build a strong and lasting union. After raising her children, Rosemary returned to teaching and for ten years was the 5th grade teacher at St. Charles School in Arlington, VA, where she found every student who walked through her door a joy. In early 2016, Rosemary was diagnosed with ALS. She never let the disease dampen her spirit. Although she had to give up singing in her neighborhood chorale and volunteering at Prince William Hospital, she continued to direct a play for the neighborhood theatre group (the Regency Players) even after ALS completely stole her voice. Rosemary’s strength was an inspiration to those around her. She was kind and giving—always putting other people first. She was also a devoted grandma who loved talking in silly voices and making gingerbread houses and other crafts with her grandchildren. She made a special and lasting connection with each of them. She was a loyal New York Giants fan and loved to socialize and travel with friends and family. Throughout her life she immersed herself in her community and built deep and lasting friendships that sustained her in good times and bad. From New Jersey to Virginia, she built friendships that she cherished like a second family. She loved to dance, laugh, hug, listen, and sing. She was a shoulder to cry on, a friend to listen to your troubles, and a strong spirit who lifted up everyone she touched. She was an angel among us. Rosemary was met in Heaven by her parents as well as brothers John and Mark. She will be missed dearly by those she leaves behind including her loving husband Brian Joseph Callaghan of Haymarket, VA; two sons: Joseph Callaghan (Karen) of Lakewood, CO; and Brian Callaghan (Melissa) of Richmond, VA; one daughter: Erin Huffman (David) of San Diego, CA; one sister: Ellen Catalina (Frank) of Somerset, NY; seven grandchildren: Mike, Mo, Jack, Dylan, Ava, Ella and Hunter; two step grandchildren: Minuet and Monet.
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