Rosemary Nizza

Born Rosemary Porter in El Reno Oklahoma on January 29, 1925 to a second-generation Rock Island railroad engineer (Edgar C. Porter). Rosemary faced early challenges when her mother (Bonnie), tragically passed away from childbirth.

Despite difficulties with her father’s second wife, she was later blessed with a loving stepmother (Leona) who became a cherished mother and grandmother. From a young age, Rosemary touched the lives of everyone around her with her unwavering strength, kindness, and remarkable talents.

A straight A student and a skilled tennis player during the hot Oklahoma summers, she excelled in everything she set her mind to. Graduating during World War II, Rosemary’s heart led her to contribute to the war effort. She worked at Tinker Air Force Base, during which time she met Nicholas Nizza from Detroit, Michigan. Nick was in Army training and awaiting assignment.

In a very short period, Nick and Rosemary were married and attended Nick’s father’s funeral before he was shipped overseas. Rosemary stayed with Nick’s large family until his return from the war.

Together, they raised three wonderful boys and maintained a tight knit bond with Nick’s large, loving Sicilian family, as well as her own Family in Oklahoma and Texas. Their love story overcame obstacles and blossomed into a lifetime of shared joy.

Rosemary’s list of talents were many. She was a gifted artist, a talented furniture refinisher, a piano player and a master of sewing and crafting. Once her boys graduated, Rosemary worked at an accounting firm, where she applied her incredible skills to keep her family’s finances in order. She meticulously kept records of payments, keeping every check she had ever written throughout her life! Her home was always a place of warmth, delicious meals, and the gathering spot for games, laughter, Family events and many cherished memories.

A photographer long before it became a trend, Rosemary captured the essence of almost every family event, creating more than 15 photo albums spanning from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. She also kept detailed records of births, deaths and family events. She truly loved her immediate and extended Family and all of the friends she met along the way, and will be long remembered for the thoughtful cards and letters she sent through the years.

During her long and eventful life, Rosemary experienced the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, The Dust Bowl, World War Two and everything that followed. Rosemary is survived by her 3 sons and their spouses/partners- Nick and Pat, Jack and Jan, Mike and Eileen.

She was blessed with four grandchildren-Tony (partner Dana), Karen (husband Matt), Patrick (wife Lesley) and Beth, as well as four wonderful Great Grandchildren- Nicholas (wife Hannah), Blake, CeCe and Alaire. Rosemary was predeceased by brothers Harry, Glenn and sister Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any contributions or memorials to Clinton Creek Assisted Living 40500 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, where she was kindly treated and cared for.