Rosemarie Phaneuf

Rosemarie Rzasa Phaneuf was born in Johnstown, PA, in June 1940, the only daughter and second child of Louis Joseph Rzasa Jr. and his wife, Stephanie Mish Rzasa. She attended Catholic school from first grade through college and graduated from Seton Hill College, where she studied Elementary Education and English.

After graduation, she moved to the Annapolis area to pursue a career as a teacher. There, she met her future husband and fellow teacher, Conrad Patrick “Pat” Phaneuf, when friends tried unsuccessfully to set him up with one of her roommates. Their relationship began with a small “disagreement” when Rosemarie tried to “help” Pat articulate his thoughts, and he told her to shut up (!). He apologized the next day, brought her lilacs, and invited her to a Johns Hopkins lacrosse game. They married in 1964, and their marriage continued until he died in 2003.

After the birth of their first daughter, Christine, Rosemarie put her teaching career on hold. Four and a half years later, they realized their dream of having another child when Patricia was born, followed 16 months later by Mark. As she raised the children, she tutored and served as a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s School, where Pat had graduated from and her daughters were attending school. Once Mark began first grade there in 1978, Rosemarie accepted a position teaching third grade. She taught at St. Mary's for 24 years, until her retirement in 2002.

Rosemarie raised her three children to value education and family. Two of her children followed in their parents' footsteps and became teachers; the third worked at the school where Rosemarie had taught.

When her grandchildren came along—Nick, Maggie, Alexa, and Elliah — they became the center of her love and devotion. She loved it when they visited her house in Annapolis or when she traveled with them to Disney or Ocean City. For them, she was Meme.

Besides her devotion to family, Rosemarie was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish for over 60 years, teaching Sunday School for many years, serving in Catholic Daughters, making Ranger Rosaries, and cleansing purificators. Pat suffered from chronic illness much of his life, and Rosemarie was his devoted caregiver until the end. Her faith sustained her during those times and after his death. She gave generously to many Catholic-related charities.

Rosemarie is predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her older brother Sonny, who died as a child. Her children survive her: Christine Bervid (Lou), Patricia Crawford (Vernon), and Mark Phaneuf (Shannon); her grandchildren: Nicholas and Margaret Crawford, Alexandra Bervid, and Elliah Phaneuf; and her younger brother, James Rzasa (Sindi).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (https://aacspca.org/ways-to-give-individuals/) or Hospice of the Chesapeake (https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/)

Visitation will be held Friday, September 18, 2026 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 9:00 am in Saint Mary's Catholic Church 109 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Interment Saint Mary's Cemetery 845 West Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401