Rosemary Crum

Rosemary Crum, 72, of Springfield, died at 4:51 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2005 at Memorial Medical Center. Her daughters Deborah, Cynthia and Lisa will miss her quiet intelligence, her innate style, her ever-present humor and most specifically, her presence in their lives. She showed them everyday, by example, how to live, how to love and how to laugh. She taught them about family, about compassion for others and about “the art of growing up” in today’s world – while still maintaining dignity and humor. Rosemary was born February 22, 1933 in Peoria, the daughter of George W., Jr, and Bernice Frances McClure Doyle. She was the third oldest of five. She graduated from Cathedral Grade School where she received scholastic scholarship for academic excellence. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1951. She was a member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish, the same parish at which her father and mother were the first couple to be married, where in 1999 her youngest daughter, Lisa, was married, and where in 2001, her much loved and adored grandson, Alexander, was baptized. She was Irish, Catholic and a Democrat and, although for a few moments in time was married to a Republican, remained passionate about each throughout her life. She read and watched all things political in the local and national arenas throughout her life. She admired the Kennedy’s and was a fan of Clinton’s (both Bill and Hillary). She was clearly a woman ahead of her times. When presented with “No, it can’t be done,” Rosemary saw this as simply a new challenge. “Permanent record” held significance for her and “work ethic” was more than just an expression. Rosemary joined Social Security Administration, Area Director’s Office in Springfield as on July 12, 1981. The organization and its people still feel the effects today, 24 years later. Her devotion and commitment to her job, her seemingly limitless knowledge of the SSA, and her intelligence and humor made an impact on many and continue to do so today. Rosemary, throughout her tenure, made sure that the SSA office budgets were complete, timely and balanced, that the Employee Award Program was tracked and implemented properly, that the SSA Area employees were effectively trained in programs such as the Travel Manager program, performing all of the instruction herself, and managed the SSA Wellness and Fitness Program. She received numerous, annual and on-the-spot awards for individual performance, and for suggestions and ideas submitted to and implemented by the SSA. But it was the personal relationships with her supervisors and peers that she valued the most. She believed in work ethic. She believed in doing things the right way. And she believed in treating everyone fairly and with respect. Rosemary was style and sophistication personified. She was passionate about life. She was devoted to her family. We will miss those beautiful blue eyes and the sparkle and humor she gave us every day. She is survived by three daughters Deborah Crum of Springfield, Cynthia (husband, Jim) Graham of Plainfield, Lisa (husband, Jourdan) Rothschild of Springfield; one grandson: Alexander Rothschild; one step grandchild; Desiree Rothschild; three sisters: Nancy Shea of Springfield, Carol Phillips of Peoria, Barbara (husband, James) Stelte; one brother, John Michael “Mickey” (wife, Barb) Doyle of Springfield and her much cherished nieces and nephews: Kathleen, Michael (“deceased”), Stephen and Joey, Susan, Tommy, Sally, Maribeth and Nancy, Jamie, Liz, Mitzie, Ryan and Lindsey, Bryan, Jane, Terry, Ann, Martin, Michael and Katie and several great nieces and nephews. Her parents and her former husband, Rowland A. Crum, preceded her in death. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday August 25, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St, Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday August 26, 2005 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, Springfield with Father Michael Haag celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family of Rosemary Crum is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.