Rose Marie (Ryan) Harrison

Rose Marie Ryan was born on February 26, 1936, to Reverend Robert, L Ryan, Emma Ashley Ryan and her sister Mildred. Being the daughter of a Baptist minister Rosie was at once involved in Community Baptist Church. Rosie attended PS 130 with her cousin Arthur Simpkins (Deceased 2019), her lifelong friends Marjorie Mason Phillips and Roxy Lott Hale (Deceased 2015). Rosie, Arthur, Roxy, Margie and William Wallace Ashley (deceased 2024) attended Bayside high school. After graduating from Bayside High School Rosie went on to Queens College, where when she received her degree in nursing became a registered nurse. While at Queens College Rosie worked as one of the first black telephone operators for Bell telephone. In 1965 Rosie married James Arthur Harrison (Deceased 1968) and gave birth to her son and Ryan in 1966. In 1969 Rosie was asked to form Group Nursing, a precursor to the intensive care unit. Rosie led the group nursing unit, including her longtime friend Marjorie Phillips. In 1971 Rosie met the love her life Frederick Douglas Brewington (Deceased 2013) at Marjorie’s house.

Rosie and Fred traveled the world together, including Germany, Haiti, and most of the Caribbean. Rosie worked at Queens General in the psychiatric emergency room while working at Group nursing and becoming a respected contributor in AIDS treatment research. Rosie and Roxy sponsored trips to Redding, Pennsylvania for shopping, hosting friends’ family, and guests. Later, Rosie, Roxy and Fred formed HBH catering where they catered parties for friends, family, and churches. After retiring from nursing, Rosie went on to volunteer with the Bayside Historical Society, in Fort Totten Bayside, where she enhanced the depth of knowledge surrounding the history of Bayside, New York. Rosie stayed active walking with her friend Helen Stewart, spending time with Roxy and being a snowbird traveling to Orlando, Florida in the winter with her sister Mildred. Rosie and Roxy later joined Calvary Baptist Church of Jamaica Queens.

Rosie lost her eyesight in 2014, and she and Mildred moved to Mint Hill, NC in 2015 where they attended Friendship Missionary Baptist Church virtually. Rosie and Mildred moved to Orlando Florida in 2022 surrounded and supported by Marjorie’s family and the Magellan Circle Ladies (Marjorie Phillips, Jeanette Lee, Barbara Butler, Marilyn Benjamin, and Renie Parker). Rosie enjoyed the daily dose prayer group hosted by the New Covenant Baptist Church in Orlando listening with Helen and Mildred. In October 2024 Rosie returned to North Carolina. Rosie is survived by her sister Mildred L. Smith, her son Ryan M. Harrison and a host of cousins and friends.

A memorial service for Rose will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the National Federation of the Blind in Memory of Rose Marie Ryan Harrison.