Rosemary Agatha Holmberg

ALL SEVEN CHILDREN FILLED A "MEMORY JAR" WITH NOTES AND PRESENTED IT TO MOM ON MOTHER'S DAY 1999. THIS INCLUDES SOME OF OUR SPECIAL AND UNIQUE MEMORIES.

I REMEMBER-When I was growing up, how pretty I always thought Mama was. I would be so proud for other people to know that she was my mother because she was such a beautiful-looking lady. I remember once when she was about to put some lipstick on and she said something like, "Wait and see the difference that lipstick can make." Well, she looked pretty with the lipstick on, but I thought she was just as pretty without it. - Linda

I REMEMBER.. Looking forward to summers and time off from school. I knew that meant VACATION TIME. I remember trips to Ft. Walton, Pensacola, Hot Springs, Clearmont Harbor, The Dude Ranch, Biloxi. I remember walking a couple of blocks to the beach to go "floundering" with a lamp at night to attract the fish. I can't remember, though, if we ever caught one. I do remember fishing in Florida and catching fish there. I remember the fun we had with our inner-tubes riding the big waves in Florida. - Diane

I REMEMBER...Saving my money that I made while working at Kentucky Fried Chicken to buy a pool table. Mama worked at the Sears Outlet Store and told me that they had a slightly damaged one on the floor for $100. Daddy picked it up for me and Mama sewed a small ripped part on the bumper cushion to make it like brand new. We all had fun playing pool in the old den at 550 Bellview. - Buddy

I REMEMBER... Rosebud—That big piece of land we would occasionally visit for family fun after the grass was cut! The BBQ's, swimming, and horseshoe games were memorable along with the "toilet" in the woods. Eventually tents were replaced with a trailer fully equipped with a toilet! It was an occasional trip, not quite often enough, but for sure a time to remember! - Trudy

I REMEMBER -Visiting Mrs. Morris and taking home her gray Persian cat (Smokey). Months later you must have tired taking care of him because you dropped him off. Luckily for Smokey, he found his way back home, and we kept him for good! - Emily

I REMEMBER...When I sent you flowers at work on one of your birthdays and when I got home you were crying saying, "In all of the years I worked at Sears, NO ONE ever sent me flowers at work. - Rosie

I REMEMBER...Being the "only one" in CCD, the "only one" left in the neighborhood still attending high school, and the "only family" in the neighborhood who had to go to Mass instead of staying home to play. I hated it then, but I respect it now! Thanks! - Tina

I REMEMBER...When I lived next-door to Mama, and on Sundays she would cook a nice dinner. After dinner, I remember that we used to drink a cup of coffee and talk. I really did enjoy spending these times together. They were special little moments for me that I will treasure. - Linda

I REMEMBER...The excitement around Christmas time. I remember hearing Santa's reindeer bells at Grandpa's house, and then seeing Santa Ding-Ding. I remember sharing a bed with Linda and waiting for the morning to come so we could hurry and look under the tree. I remember Tiny Tears. I remember Patty Play Pal. I remember Maxi, my big stuffed dog. I remember Monopoly, Jax, Pixistix, coloring books, and paper dolls, and the hours and hours we spent playing with our toys. - Diane

I REMEMBER...Graduating from college, and Mom and Dad took me and the whole family out to eat at the Beef Baron. They gave me a gold Cross pen and pencil set, which I still have today. I think they were happy that I finally learned something and would be soon starting out in an accounting career but were sad because I would no longer be bringing home free chicken from my job at Kentucky Fried Chicken! - Buddy

I REMEMBER...Family crawfish boils at your house. I don't remember when they began, but I do know that they have been an annual event ever since. Buddy is always the "boiler" and you are the "provider" of all the crawfish, potatoes, corn, garlic, mushrooms, artichokes, and crackers that we can eat. That is about 120 pounds of crawfish and a ton of love! - Trudy

I REMEMBER...Unpacking groceries from Schwegmann's with Rosie whining, "I WANT ORANGE DRINK!" over and over. Finally you gave in and gave her the orange drink—right over her head!!! - Emily

I REMEMBER -When you were teaching me to drive the Cutlass Supreme up and down Jefferson Highway. You said, "Don't go so fast!" As we approached the bridge, you said, "Give it some more gas. You can't go that slow." You thought you were going to have a heart attack and sent me to Driver's Ed at school instead. - Rosie

I REMEMBER...When you made me a blue-and-white checkered shirt and short set for my first grade field trip. It had a cute patch on the front; however, I couldn't go because I woke up that morning with the mumps. I still loved the outfit! - Tina

I REMEMBER...I remember the Christmas I got the Patty Play Pal doll and the radio that looked like a rocket ship. Mom and Daddy asked me which present I liked better. I said I liked the rocket ship radio. But, now I can tell you, Mama, that I really did like the Patty Play Pal doll better. I didn't want you and Daddy to think I was still a baby, and I thought the radio sounded more grown-up. I guess it took a while to let go of my childhood things. By the following year, though, I really learned to love my rocket ship radio a lot. And, today I still listen to the radio, even though it doesn't look like a rocket ship. - Linda

I REMEMBER...Always looking forward to the ice cream man. Linda and I would run and get a dime from you to be sure we didn't miss him. At that time, Bellview Street was just a shell road. I remember always going barefoot in the summer. I remember after getting my dime, running to get my ice cream and tripping over a glass milk bottle. I remember you wrapping my foot in a towel and sitting on your lap while Mrs. Roy drove us to the doctor's office. Later they told me they had found my toe. To this day I don't know if its true. I remember everyone brought me presents and came to visit me. I was glad my toe was chopped off. - Diane

I REMEMBER...The old house at 550 Bellview falling into disrepair. Jerry and I spent months tearing it down. Every week, we would put pieces of the house on the curb for the garbage men to pick up. We had progressed to the point where only the front facade was left standing, like a Hollywood movie set. We finally tore it down, and I am sure the garbage men were quite perplexed that the house that was there on the last trip was now gone. I wonder if they realized they hauled off an entire house??? I saved the top of the front door frame with the number "550" address on it and gave it to Mom and Dad when we were done. Mama started to cry a lot, so I asked her if she wanted us to put the house back! I am glad she said no because I don't think the garbage men would bring it back. - Buddy

I REMEMBER...Elmwood Plantation restaurant for a special luncheon with you and Daddy before my wedding day. I suppose you were celebrating getting rid of me. The time alone was special and although I can't remember what we talked about, I remember you loved me enough to take me out on a special date. I also will cherish the retreat you and I went on at Ave Maria Retreat House 12 days before my wedding. Thank you for your godly example in my life. - Trudy

I REMEMBER...You driving one day and when you made a turn, the car door flew open. Tin; who was about five years old, was half in and half out, so I jumped in the back seat and quickly pulled her in! Whew! - Emily

I REMEMBER...When you and Daddy brought me to the Beverly Playhouse to see Martha Ray Stewart and gave me a green glazed birthday cake with red roses and candles on top and sang Happy Birthday to me on my Sweet 16. I think that's when I was given some pearls you earned from Sears. I still have them and remember that story every time I wear them. - Rosie

I REMEMBER...The many wonderful Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners from my youth—they brought a sense of warmth and family to our home. Thanks! - Tina

I REMEMBER...When I was older and in the hospital after surgery, I had a very hard time because I had complications. I remember Mama gently combing my hair in a comforting sort of way. I remember thinking what a caring mother I had. - Linda

I REMEMBER...The trip you, Dad, and I took when I was 19. We flew to Florida to visit Moremom and Moredad. It was weird feeling—a taste of what it would be like to be an only child. I liked the feeling! I was working at Tulane Medical School at the time, and I bought my own ticket for the trip. You and Dad told that to Moremom, and she reimbursed me for the cost of the ticket. I really had fun that trip! - Diane

I REMEMBER...Mama arranging me to get my first car, a 1959 Ford (I think it was Aunt Muriel and Uncle Vernon's car). I paid $200, and the car was great, but you had to hold a wire in your hand while you were driving to make the radio work! Also, Mama knew the owner of my second car, a 1964 Dodge. She arranged for me to buy it for $400. It was a unique car because it had a push-button transmission...it ran fine until all the buttons fell out. - Buddy

I REMEMBER... Our Enchanted Capri Getaway Cruise. Where do you go without a care in the world? Nowhere! A 3-day cruise to nowhere, that is! Being pampered, eating more than we should, playing games in and out of the casino, and enjoying the sunset was even more memorable because we shared it with you. So, next time you need a break, just think about going "nowhere"! - Trudy

I REMEMBER...When me, you, and Matthew went bowling and you got your finger really stuck in the ball, and the worker had to help get it out. - Emily

I REMEMBER...When I told you I was pregnant, you put your arms around and said, "Everything's going to be okay. Now, how are we going to tell your father?" And we didn't tell him for a long, long time until I started really showing. Then, YOU told him (and I hid)! - Rosie

I REMEMBER...Special Christmas presents like "The Sunshine Family" (mom, dad, and baby) dolls, a very nice satin/silk camisole slip, "Willie Talk" ventriloquist doll, magic stuff, a Raggedy Ann and Andy garbage can full of coloring books and colors, and Annette, my BIG doll, and, lastly, Lu-Lu (she was a big doll that I could dance with). However, my loving sister, Rosie, sat on her face and smashed it in. I still loved her. These were all bought to make me feel special, and you were special for giving me that feeling. Thanks! - Tina

I REMEMBER...When I was about seven years old and I had my hernia operation. A few days before I went into the hospital, I was in the store with Mama. I saw a baby doll that I just loved. It looked so much like a real baby. Well, when I got in the hospital, I remember Mama surprising me and buying me that baby doll. I named the doll Mary. I was so happy to have that doll, and it made my stay in the hospital a little easier. - Linda

I REMEMBER...You being there on my graduation day, when John and James graduated from grammar and high schools, for John's play, and the other countless times you have been there for them and for me! Thank you! - Diane

I REMEMBER... Mama giving me blank checks every year to buy 120 pounds of crawfish and all the fixins' so everyone could get together and stuff themselves. I remember that I didn't once take one of those blank checks and write it out for a million dollars and then skip the country! Everyone would have a good time eating the crawfish and criticizing the cook's valiant efforts. - Buddy

I REMEMBER...Your 70th birthday surprise party at Olive Garden Restaurant. You thought you were going out to eat with just Keith and me; but when our server brought us to our table, there was the whole gang! SURPRISE...and surprised you were! You had a wonderful look and were very touched. The biggest surprise of all was when Buddy picked up the tab and paid it in full! - Trudy

I REMEMBER —Family vacations, especially Money Hill Camping, and the Gulf Coast trips to that "cottage house." - Emily

I REMEMBER...When you and Daddy brought me to see where y'all were going to be buried at (after sneaking around with Gary for about a year when I was 17). I saw the tombstone on the right of me that said in big bold letters, "FLORANE." My heart jumped into my throat. At that time, no one was buried in it. When I got home, I told Gary, and he said that was his parents' grave. I remember saying, "If I ever had a baby, at least she'll only have to make one trip to visit her grandparents (and lo-and-behold if it didn't come true two years later)! - Rosie,

I REMEMBER...Taking a train with you, Daddy, and Rosie to go see Aunt Audrey—and many trips to Rosebud. I remember eating on the train; it was exciting! - Tina

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Rosemary Zinser Holmberg, age 91, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and resided in River Ridge for over 70 years, died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones in her home on September 14, 2017. Parishioner of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in River Ridge since its inception in 1959, member of Missionaries of St. Theresa, Circle 65, and Come Lord Jesus. Long-term, dedicated employee of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Daughter of the late Emile Joseph and Bernadette Archer Zinser. Preceded in death exactly 25 years prior on September 14, 1992, by her husband of 44 years, Edward Arthur Holmberg, Jr. Also preceded in death by her sisters Yvonne Adams and Lorraine Hobden and her brothers, Emile Zinser, Jr., and Paul Zinser. Survived by sisters Muriel Carriere and Audrey Tassin. Mother of Linda Gay Benfield (Jerry), Diane Patricia Schilleci (Frank), Edward Arthur Holmberg III (Charlotte), Gertrude Marie Krogsgard (Keith), Emily Anne Mullet-Jowett, Rosemarie Eileen Florane (Michael Langland), and Christina Noel Benfield (John). Grandmother of Angelle Marie Badeaux, Ben Allen Benfield, Sherry Lynn Benfield, Frank John Moeller Ill, James Edward Moeller (Rachel), Edward Arthur Holmberg IV (Lily), Stephen Paul Holmberg (Andrea), Amy Ronaele Holmberg, Christopher Keith Krogsgard, Jennifer Rose Krogsgard, Heather Marie Krogsgard, Matthew Stormy Mullet, Mary Rose Stouder (Shane), and Charles Michael Benfield. Great-grandmother of Ethan Tadeo Krogsgard, Brennan Eli Ledet, James Ryan Moeller, Luke Austin Stouder, and Eleanor Rose Holmberg, Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, 10021 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge, on Friday, September 22, at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 12 noon. Internment in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 11316 River Road, St. Rose.Condolences may be expressed online at www.leitzeaganfunealhome.com.