Rosemary T. Morris

ROSEMARY MORRIS was born in Susquehanna, PA on September 8,1923 to Mary Malone, whose parents were from Italy, and Charles Crossed, an immigrant from Sicily. The family later settled in Elmira, NY on Walnut Street. Rosemary was one of 5 sisters and 3 brothers.

After finishing high school, Rosemary attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing where she received her Associate Degree as a Registered Nurse. At that point, she joined the US Navy and served during WW II at Bethesda Naval Hospital where she met her husband, Samuel G Morris, who was in the Navy. They had three daughters, Patricia Ann born in London, England, Theresa Marie, born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, and Christine Madonna, born in Elmira, NY.

The family eventually settled in Virginia Beach, VA. After Samuel’s death, Rosemary lived in her home with her daughters, Theresa and Patricia, in Toano, VA, where they took excellent care of each other until her death. She was surrounded with love from her grandchildren who were very close, and her great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her three daughters, six grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, two brothers, Charles Crossed and Richard Crossed, and her youngest sister, Donna Layng,

Rosemary’s name is listed on the WW II Women’s Memorial on The National Mall in Washington, DC for her service in the Navy and was in the Civil Service until retirement. She was an accomplished seamstress, making her children’s clothes and designing beautiful dresses and gowns. She was an expert gardener and enjoyed birdwatching. She always gave the wisest advice and mentored us all through difficult times. She was supportive and always there to help in times of need. She was our umbrella, and we miss her more than words can say.

Rosemary went to be with our Lord Jesus on December 31, 2025 at the age of 102. Her final resting place will be at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia next to her loving husband, Sam.

A Memorial for Rosemary will be announced at a later date.