Rosemary Wilkins Cross

Rosemary W. Cross, 102, went home to the Lord peacefully on May 12, 2025, while at her residence in The Virginian in Fairfax, Virginia. Rosemary was born on December 27, 1922, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Kenneth and Nettie Wilkins. She grew up in the small town of Oxford, Indiana, and graduated from Oxford High School in 1940, along with most of the children from her first-grade class. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert W. Cross, in November 1943. Robert worked for the Air Force, so they moved around to different areas for the next few years as they started their family of five girls. In 1963, they built a home in Fairfax, Virginia, where Rosemary lived until she moved to The Virginian at the age of 98. While Robert and Rosemary divorced in 2002 after many years of marriage, they remained good friends.

Rosemary was a lifelong learner. She obtained her RN certification on May 19, 1946, but went back to school and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1982 at the age of 60. Rosemary worked as an RN at Fairfax Hospital in the postpartum department until 1994. After she retired from Fairfax Hospital as head nurse, she continued to work part-time at Sibley Hospital. Her favorite part of the job was working with young mothers and new families, and the practical and kind advice she developed for her patients was also readily taken by the young parents in her family.

Rosemary was a very independent woman who also enjoyed a little adventure. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and liked working with the scouts and camping. She traveled quite extensively throughout Europe after her children were grown and continued visiting her daughter in the Netherlands up into her later years. Again, always learning, she took on acquiring the Dutch language to use when visiting her daughter. Her age never stopped her from trying to learn something new. In her 80s, she learned bridge, even joining a bridge group with the "old ladies" from church.

The activity that she enjoyed most was learning new knitting and sewing techniques. Rosemary was an accomplished seamstress. She made all of her children's dresses until they entered high school. Then she made their prom dresses, wedding dresses, as well as baby and special occasion clothes for the grandchildren when they came along. Many of her grandchildren received knitted blankets when they were born. She not only sewed and knitted for her family but also for many friends, neighbors, church craft fairs, and other charities.

Rosemary attended St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. She joined in 1964 and was a member until her death. Rosemary exemplified quiet faith and quiet strength, living her life as an example of a Christian woman. She was kind to all, never complained, and never said a harsh word about anyone. She regularly attended church services until she was unable to do so, and particularly enjoyed her church knitting group and her church circle. She helped out in church whenever she could, especially with the craft fair.

Rosemary enjoyed visits from friends and family. Even after her children were married and had children of their own, entire family groups often returned home for weekends and special occasions. There was always room at her tables and places to sleep, even if some slept on the floor. The house was filled with fellowship and laughter. She often took her grandchildren for a week at a time in the summers, entertaining them and driving them around to different activities. More than once, she opened her home for friends and family to stay for an extended period while they were working or going to school in the area.

Rosemary is survived by her daughters Kay Finegan, Sara Murphy, Ellen Meijer and husband Fred Meijer, Patty Puetz and husband Max Puetz, and Kerry Hill. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

She is predeceased by Robert Cross, sister June Bunting, and brother Jim Wilkins. Rosemary lived a full life, was loved dearly, and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 21st with a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to her beloved St. Matthew's Church or to Capital Caring Health. The address for St. Matthew's is 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 22003. Donations are also accepted online at www.stmatthewsumc.org under GIVE.

Memorial donations to Capital Caring Health can be sent to Capital Caring Health, Philanthropy, 3180 Fairview Park Dr., Headquarters/Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042.