We have been neighbors since 1968. Our family has many fond memories of times spent together over the years. Rosemary was always warm, friendly, and caring, always taking time to be sure everyone felt welcome in her home and never once forgetting to recognize special occasions like my wife’s birthdays. My son commented that Rosemary was like a second mother. She is very much missed.

To the greatest grandmother in the world, thank you. 

Thank you so much for your love and support, you were such a foundational part of my upbringing and got to see me grow into the man I am today. Your kindness to everyone is something that I truly admired and it became something I strived to do with the people in my life. 

As a kid, whenever mom or dad said you and grandpa were coming over to visit I lit up with joy and counted down the minutes until you guys pulled up to our driveway. Walking in the door I couldn't wait to give you guys a big hug and spend the day playing with you and whatever cool new toy you had brought over. 

You always made sure that whenever I came over to visit your place that I never left hungry. We would go down to the freezer and see what new frozen meals and ice creams you found at the grocery store. The mint chocolate ice cream sandwiches will always be my favorite. 

Your homemade chocolate cake with banana cream frosting made every birthday celebration in the family a special occasion and I hope to bake many more in the future to honor you. 

I am beyond blessed that I was able to have a grandmother as loving and generous as you for 24 years. These are just a few of the countless number of memories I have of you and will cherish for the rest of my life. 

I miss you so much grandma. Your loving presence on this earth will truly be missed but I know that you're in a better place now and I know that you will always be with me in spirit. 

Your grandson,

- Alex 








Words cannot express how saddened I am at the loss of such a wonderful spirit. It is no understatement to say that I had the best mother-in-law that a girl could ever hope for.  She never said an unkind word to me about my housekeeping or parenting, despite there surely being many opportunities to do so. She always respected my decisions and her support made me a much better mother. And, quite simply, she frequently told me that I was a good mom...treasured words that are not often shared between women and their daughters-in-law. She served as a loving example for me and Raymond as we navigated parenthood.

It’s impossible to measure the impact that she made as grandmother to my sons, Alex and Ben. They knew that she loved them unconditionally and that they were absolutely perfect in her eyes! (The same was true for the multitude of grand-dogs over the years!) She treasured spending time with them, getting down and really playing with them. On the ground, eye level, face-to-face play! She single-handedly was responsible for the toy industry’s growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She always made them feel that they were special and that they mattered. She contributed so much to them growing into caring, sensitive, and thoughtful young men.

I will miss you so much Rosemary. I love you. I will always remember your kindness and support. Having you in my life was truly a gift. 

With love and much gratitude,
Lisa


I send my heartfelt condolences to you, Ray, and your entire family on Rosie's passing.  Michele has always referred to Rosie as her "second mother," and of her selfless giving over the years, not only to Karen and Michele, but to all of her family, even donating a kidney to her brother.  What an example of Christian charity and unconditional love!  I pray that after all her hard work and sacrifice in this life,  she will experience peace and joy in eternity.  And may the Holy Spirit bring comfort to you, Ray, and all your family.

Charlie and I are so very sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing.  She was such a sweet  and kind person and we enjoyed sharing happy family celebrations with her.  We are sending our love and prayers to your family at this very sad time. 

Rosemary, my wife, my soulmate, the wind beneath my wings.  How does one encapsulate 58 years of marriage in a few short words.  It all went by so fast, like a dream.
In our early years, you gave up a promising career in banking to raise your children.  You were a devoted and caring mother for both our son, Raymond, and our daughter, Kelly.  You also devoted much time to your nieces, Karen and Michele, becoming like a second mother to them.  But that’s the kind of person you were – kind and loving and always putting other people first.
We spent summer vacations, first, at Nags Head, with your sister Aldona and her husband Richard.  Later we were able to enjoy many vacations in Hawaii.  We visited all the islands, but Maui was our favorite.   Two of our high points were taking a helicopter ride over the erupting Kiluea volcano on the Big Island and enjoying the fantastic sunsets on Kuai.
Later we were gifted with the birth of our grandsons, Alex and Ben, who you proceeded to spoil like all good grandmothers do.  But you were more than a good grandmother.  Our grandsons’ friends called you ‘the best grandmother in the world.’  We watched our grandsons grow into the fine young men that they are today.  They miss you greatly.
St. Francis said “Preach the Gospel always and, if necessary, use words.”  Your life more than exemplified this teaching.  In addition to your mutual love for animals, your co-workers often referred to you as the guardian angel of the retirement home but that’s the kind of person that you were.  In your memory, you have been conferred memorial membership in the Society of the Little Flower, who was your favorite Saint.  I know this because you mentioned to me many times that when you were given prayer cards by the nuns when you did well in school, you were always pleased when you got a prayer card of St. Teresa.  
I love you.  I miss you.  We will meet again in heaven; I know you are there but you might have to pull some strings to get me in.


So many memories to share from my time with Rosemary. We shared an office and talked about many things over the years. She introduced me to Hawaii by telling me about her vacations there with Ray and other family members. She absolutely loved Maui and Napili Point. I can still see her when she returned to work bursting into the office - Aloha!  I heard all about the places she went, the island food and drink she favored AND the helicopter site seeing tour (her adventurous side). I looked up this wonderful word, Aloha, and found that it means more than just hello and goodbye. "Aloha is an essence of being: love, peace, compassion and a mutual understanding of respect. Aloha means living in harmony with the people and land around you with mercy, sympathy,  grace and kindness. "  This is Rosemary, my dear friend. Aloha. 

First I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to share your heartfelt memories.  My mother's life is definitely one worth honoring and celebrating.

One sentiment that particularly touched me is Karen's observation that 'Rosemary has always been there to make things fun.'  That observation has more insight into my mother's nature than you might, at first, realize.  The first thing is that my mom was always there for me, my sister Kelly, my adopted "sisters" Karen and Michele, and the rest of the family.  She knew that her choice to be, first and foremost, a good and attentive mother was pleasing to God.  She understood that true joy -- Christian joy -- comes from steering clear of idols and simply doing the will of God.  Not an easy thing to do, especially in our materialistic society.  The second part of Karen's insight is that my mom made things fun, which I think follows from having a heart full of true joy and love of God.  Her heart was (and still is) full of love for all of God's creations -- her children, her other family members, other people, animals (especially Tuna the dog), etc.

I haven't been able to master her art of living but she will always be my North Star.  I love you, mom.

Ray, Raymond and Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was in shock when I heard Rosie was in the hospital. I was so sure she was going to make it but it’s a relief to know she’s not in any more pain. I know Mom and Dad were waiting for her.

As long as I can remember Rosie has been part of our life. From babysitting us in the summers to picnics at Cabin John, trips to Storybook Land, family dinners and holidays, she has always been there to make things fun. Her sweet gentle ways reflected her caring for everyone. She would do anything for you. As Michele said, she was like a second mother to us. 

Although I may have been out of touch as we moved away, her love for us was always there as was mine for her. She never missed a birthday or holiday (on time too). I will always remember and miss our time together. 

I will keep all of you in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.

Love,

Karen, Lee, and Devon

“Grief never ends, but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.”


Ray and family, My deepest condolences to you all. It's a shame that we had never got together to meet the families. Ro was one of my favorite cousins and I had been thinking of her this week and was surprised to see the obit today. CHARLIE MEDICO SENDS HIS SYMPATHY ALSO. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE.                           SORRY  CataldoSaitta 

Rosemary set the bar high in her treatment of people and in her adherence to perfection in her work. She embodied kindness, friendliness and helpfulness. This was you, Rosemary, everyday, all of the time, setting the best example just by being you. We worked together closely for 17 years and you never waivered from these high standards. You helped me in so many ways, you were treasured by many friends and by the the residents of The Virginian, and you were valued for your fine work by staff. The news of your passing came sadly and much too soon, but your light shines on  for many who had the privilege of knowing you. Of this I am absolutely sure. MV


Dear Ray, Raymond, and Kelly,
I wish I had a magic wand to take away all of the pain and sadness for you. My heart hurts for you. Rosie was one of a kind; a true Saint. I honestly don't think I've ever met anyone as kind-hearted and gentle as Rosie.  I have loved Rosie like a second mom ever since I was a little girl. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful and caring Aunt for so many years. Please know that we are here for you and praying for you all during this tragic time.
With Love,
Michele xoxox

Rosemary was a kind and loving person to her family and friends.  Most of all she was generous and compassionate.  In the early years of kidney transplants , Rosemary donated her kidney to her brother
disregarding her own health.  The transplant was very successful and her brother, because of her gift of life, was able to live many years.  His family will be forever grateful.

Nan Wier, sister-in-law

OBITUARY

Rosemary Teresa Mataloni

April 22, 1939 – March 10, 2021

Demaine Funeral Home – Fairfax

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