Rosemary Flynn

Rosemary was born in Detroit to Alexander and Mary Zaplitny at their home on Gilbert Street in Detroit, Michigan on May 26, 1934. She graduated from Chatsy High School, worked at a dime store on Michigan Avenue and the Gas Company. She met the love of her life, Russell, at a friend's wedding where he asked her to dance. He offered to drive her home, and she told him it was a long ride, she was a “Westsider” and he was a “Eastsider”, that did not deter him. He walked her to her side door and being a gentleman did not attempt a kiss goodnight, so she took matters into her own hands, and their first kiss did happen that night.

They became dance partners for life, often dancing in the house, sometimes to their song “Spanish Eyes”. Together, loving known as R&R, they had four children; Sandra (David) Wroblewski, Diane (Allen) Snella, Lynn Flynn (Timothy Vargas) and James (Cindy) Flynn, eight grandchildren; Michael (Audrey) Wroblewski, Matthew (Maria) Snella, Amanda (Greg) Lipon, Jessica (Scott) LaFave, Ryan Wroblewski, Emily & Kellie Flynn, and Isabella Perez and three great grandchildren; Evelyn, Hannah and Grace Wroblewski. Rosemary had two siblings: Alexander Zaplitny and Dorthy Olmstead. She had many nieces and nephews in her life.

Rosemary was a homemaker and filled the house with her cheerful disposition and beautiful singing, delicious family dinners, big Sunday breakfasts, laughter, love and the occasional scary movie. Rosemary was a supportive wife, who kept the family thriving while Russell attending night school and was the driving force behind ensuring the family’s move to Australia was a positive experience. She enjoyed many of life’s pleasures, traveling with Russell and her family throughout the world. Her sister in-law Joan and her husband John were often travel partners in crime, she loved reading, dining out, the theater, golfing as part of the Vagabonds, fashion, a trip or ten to the casino, and spending time with her family.

Rosemary, Ro, Sweetheart, Mom, and Nana were all her monikers. Rosemary was beautiful inside and out, she possessed a cheerful disposition and was one of those people that strangers always talked to, she was faithful, a fierce momma bear. A loving wife, daughter, sister, Nana and friend. Rosemary had a beautiful smile, her laughter and singing was the soundtrack to our lives, “sweethearts and darlings” were never in short supply. Mom taught us how to live with kindness and generosity and how to love in a way that reflects God’s grace. Her spirit and love lives within each of us forever. God blessed us with Rosemary, a beautiful loving woman and for that we are forever grateful.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Rosemary's family will receive visitors on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Rosary Service taking place at 7:00 pm, and again at Church on Wednesday from 10:30 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. In accordance with Rosemary's wishes, cremation will follow.