Rosemarie C. Smith Mc Quilkin

Born June 1, 1933 in Jersey City, she was raised there and in Darby, near Philadelphia. She was a homemaker who later worked as nursing aide, hospital ward clerk and Registered Nurse.

She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Robert McQuilkin Sr., a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. They married in 1954. Robert passed away in 1979.

"Rosie," as she was affectionately called by her grown children and their spouses, was proud of her five sons: Robert Jr.(Bob), William (Bill), Steven, John and Michael, who ran cross country and track at Largo High School and went on to successful careers in their various fields.

As a Navy family, the McQuilkins spent many years in South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and New York before settling in Largo in 1972.

As a single mother in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rosie put herself through nursing school while working at Suncoast Hospital. She had a long career at Suncoast (now part of Largo Medical Center) where she was honored at Nurse of the Year.

She most enjoyed spending time with her sons and their families. She also liked to read, travel, watch classic movies and dine out. "Nana Rosie," as she was known to her grandchildren, had a special talent for engaging, nurturing and comforting children.

She is survived by her five sons: Robert (Tracy) of Clearwater; U.S. Navy Capt. William (Selina) of Jacksonville; Steven (Karen) of Cape Coral; John of West Hollywood, Calif.; and Michael (Melissa) of Seminole; eight grandchildren; her brother William T. Smith of Lakewood N.J.; and her uncle Alfred Eckhoff of Seminole.

She was comforted in this life by the love and support of her dear brother, Bill, who made sure that her growing boys had access to learning materials such as encyclopedia sets, other reference books and subscriptions to National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines.

Friends are calling on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 10am to 11 am with Funeral Services at 11 am all at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. Ph # 727-562-2080.

Friends are calling on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 10am to 11 am with Funeral Services at 11 am all at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. Ph # 727-562-2080.