Rosemary S. Argus

Rosemary S. Argus, age 88, of Des Plaines, passed away surrounded by her family the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18, 2025. A pillar of light in the Des Plaines community for over 60 years, Rosemary leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, empathy, and a whole list of superlatives that would not begin to emphasize the breadth of her impact on those she interacted with.

Born August 29, 1936, in Chicago, to the late Joseph Lewandowski and the late Mary Lewandowski (nee Dziopa), she was the beloved wife of the late Donald Argus. Cherished mother of Donald Argus, Robert (Dina) Argus, Darlene (John) Joyce, and Deborah (Paul) du Vair; adored grandmother of Aria and Elisa Argus, Sadie, Steffan, and Lacey Argus, David (Carley) Joyce and Brendan (Kate) Joyce, and Paul, Trevor and Tanner du Vair; dear great grandmother of Sophia and Aubrey Joyce; and fond sister of the late Joseph (Terry) Lewand.

Rosemary was a trailblazer of advocacy in the Des Plaines and Mt. Prospect communities. Rosemary championed many programs for the park district and for those that were less fortunate. Her impact on the area has been felt since the day she began dedicating her service to the local community. Among her numerous accolades, she was the first female Mt. Prospect Park District Commissioner, later becoming the first female president. She served as a Des Plaines alderman for 10 years, was an Executive Director of the Des Plaines Community Foundation, and the Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation. Her love of Des Plaines and dedication to improving it for all those who lived there was recognized when Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park was named in her honor. In addition to her tireless efforts to serve the community, Rosemary worked full time at United Airlines for over 20 years.

Rosemary’s dedication and fierce advocacy towards others was equally as strong as her love for her family. Helping her children to reach heights that her and her husband, Donald, had only imagined, she was a staunch supporter of her children and family. She was a devoted wife and often said she married the love of her life. Her love shown through and was assisted with her strong assurances in her faith. Rosemary’s impact will be felt by generations within the community and all those that knew her are greater for it.

Visitation Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines. Celebration of Life Service Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Bridge Community Church, 946 East Thacker Street, Des Plaines. After the service, all are welcome to join the family, friends, and community in sharing memories and fellowship at a Celebration of Life Reception at Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines beginning at 1 p.m. Inurnment private. For more information, please call (847) 824-5155.

Rosemary served as the Executive Director of the Des Plaines Community Foundation for many, many years. If you would like to make a donation in Rosemary's name, please consider contributing here:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-1338