Rosemary Dillon Foote

Old School: A term used to describe folks who were born in an era foreign to today’s society, and who possess a toughness so rare it seems like a super-power. Rosemary was Old School. Daughter to Joseph and Susan Dillon, sister to William (Marilyn) and Phillip (Nancy). They lost their father at a young age, leaving mother Susan struggling to provide a hard-scrabble life for three children in a time before social services and handouts. Rosemary and her brothers learned quickly to use their wits, hard work and diligence in order to make their lives better.

Rosemary married young and had two children; William (Bill) and Reginald (Reggie). That marriage ended and a young mother was left to survive and provide for two kids on her own. So she did what she had learned to do, she went to work. Starting at the phone company, leading to a bank teller position. There she met and married a handsome foreigner, got married, and produced Joseph and Jamal.

Four kids, a foreigner husband, and a desire for upward mobility propelled Rosemary and her family from the mean streets of Allston/Brighton to the relative comfort of West Roxbury MA. Throughout her marriage she taught her kids the value of hard work and frugality. She didn’t let her kids sleep late on weekends or school snow days if there was work to be done. Her kids were taught the value of capitalism by working as paperboys for the Boston Globe and Herald, and they have all been working ever since.

Rosemary led by example, taking jobs as a bank teller and again back at the phone company (Verizon), where she eventually retired.

After her second marriage ended, Rosemary swore she would never remarry. However, that opinion changed when she met the love of her life, beloved husband Richard Foote.

Honestly, the way these two carried on was like two teenagers. Seriously gross. But to see two people in love is to witness God’s blessing. Richard was the best thing that could have ever come along, and the last ten years of her life were the happiest she had ever been. Rosemary’s final years were made better by the constant love and attention from Rich. The woman who had worked hard all her life could finally learn to relax.

On July 5th, 2019, after a few months in the hospital, Rosemary left this life and entered eternity. She is preceded in death by her parents and her son Reggie, who I am certain could not believe the news. One thing is certain: when we get to heaven, Rosemary will have the place looking absolutely spotless.

A memorial service will be Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 4 pm located at National Cremation & Burial Society.