Mercedes Cosgrove

P. Mercedes “Chet” Cosgrove fought a valiant battle to overcome complications from triple bypass heart surgery. After 32 days in the cardiac ICU at Atrium Baptist Hospital, she passed away on December 15, 2025, surrounded by the care of dedicated medical teams and the love of her family.

Chet was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 14, 1954, to Ed and Rita Schoaps, the second of two children. Her older brother Ed (“Dino”) idolized her and watched her grow into a confident, attractive, and intelligent woman. She earned a BA in art education from Michigan State University. After student teaching in the Detroit Public Schools, she quickly realized that classroom teaching was not her calling and instead embarked on a career in jewelry—where she excelled in design, manufacture, and repair.

Chet met her husband-to-be, John Paul Cosgrove, in 1981, and married the lucky guy in 1982. Together they raised a remarkable son, John Elliot Cosgrove, born in 1985. A job change for John brought the family to Clemmons, North Carolina, in 1986, where Chet continued her jewelry career with Carlyle & Co. Jewelers and later Schiffman’s Jewelers.

In 1994, Chet faced and overcame breast cancer—an experience that shaped the rest of her life. She met that challenge with resilience, strength, and determination, qualities that defined her for more than three decades afterward. A survivor in every sense, she carried that courage quietly and consistently, never letting it limit her joy or independence.

Retired since 2019, Chet devoted herself to gardening, cooking, travel, reading, and the many activities of her Salem Glen Country Club community. She was a regular at Book Club, Bunko, Glen Gals, and even tried her hand at golf—ultimately deciding, “If it’s nice enough to play golf, I’d rather play in my garden,” and retiring from the sport with characteristic humor.

Chet was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Rita Schoaps of Mt. Clemens, Michigan, who were a tremendous positive influence on her life. She is survived by her devoted husband, John P. Cosgrove; her brother Dino and his wife Susan of Salem, Oregon; and her son, John E. Cosgrove, and daughter-in-law, Emma Powers, of Raleigh. Chet was joyfully anticipating becoming a first-time grandmother, as Emma and John E. are expecting a daughter in May.

A celebration of life is being planned for late January, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Chet’s memory to a heart health organization, breast cancer research organization, or charity of your choice.