Rosemarie Gustavus

Rosemarie was born March 12, 1952 in Germany, the second daughter of Murad (“Joe”) Magerdich and Elisabeth Maria (Schieche) Vosgershian. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, Joe brought his wife Elisabeth and two daughters to Claremont, N.H when Rosemarie was only a few months old.

As a young child, Rosemarie especially looked forward to proudly marching into the massive, echoing Catholic church with her grandmother, Marie Adele (Descoteaux) Vosgershian, who always clutched Rosemarie’s little white-gloved hand to lead the way. From that point onward, no matter what challenges, heart aches, and rough rocky roads her feet found themselves traveling on, Rosemarie remained strong in her faith.

As a product of that faith and inspired by her grandmother, Rosemarie always took time to help others in need and performed many acts of service. This was a trait that defined her life. As a small child, Rosemarie very much enjoyed spending her time by serving her community as a Brownie Girl Scout- waiving one white gloved hand to the crowd in a parade, while the other hand helped less fortunate children. She even cared for injured pets growing up. Looking at career options, Rosemarie was again inspired by her grandmother who encouraged her to become a nurse. Having achieved her goal, she very proudly wore her nurse’s cap. She felt on top of the world and was exactly where and what she wanted to be- being of service to others. She served others all the way to her last few months- despite battling her own health issues.

Besides serving others, Rosemarie enjoyed sewing and embroidery. Initially inspired by her grandmother who had a talent for sewing, Rosemarie soon sewed a beautiful dress for her surprised elder sister. The dress had a row of little black round buttons down the front on a lovely lavender flower-printed fabric. Her sister loved the dress so much that she drew a self portrait wearing that dress, still cherishing its sight. Rosemarie later embroidered many pieces which she gave away to others along the way. Many of these embroideries had inspirational quotes and scripture.

Her father and grandfather passed on their love of the outdoors to Rosemarie, who became an avid angler. Spending much time with her father fishing growing up, she later passed on the love of fishing and being outside to her two sons- Michael Thomas and Daniel Ryan Lawson. Her two sons were her greatest joys and were the “apples of her eye” as she would frequently say. Later in life, she would save their phone messages so she could hear their voices whenever she wished.

Rosemarie sheds her body after a brief battle with an extremely aggressive cancer- despite her downright, direct “tell it like it is” determined character and strong will to live. She leaves gifts of many memories to her eldest son, Michael Thomas Lawson (Melissa) of Palmyra, NE; youngest son, Daniel Ryan Lawson (Julie) of North Port, FL; sister, Marie Anne Smith of Tucson, AZ; seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. She is preceded in life’s transition by her parents Murad “Joe” Magerdich Vosgershian and Elisabeth Marie Vosgershian (Scheiche), siblings Donald Joseph Vosgershian and Lucy Margie Brauneis.

Our family is extremely grateful for the care and treasured friendships of nurses, staff, and residents at Sarasota Point Rehabilitation Center. Many becoming like additional family for her.

Services/Celebration of Life pending.