An accomplished chemist, lifelong academic and friend to all, Rose was born on October 16, 1923 in County Monaghan, Ireland to the late George and Mary McNamee. As a child, Rose immigrated to the United States with her family to St. Louis, Missouri. In a time when higher education predominantly consisted of men, Rose graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1942 and then went on to receive a B.S. in Chemistry in 1946 and a Masters in Teaching Science in 1960, both from Fontbonne College.
Throughout her professional career, Rose worked with Vestal Laboratories in St. Louis and then taught as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Fontbonne. In 1968 Rose moved to New Orleans to be closer to her younger sister, Dorothy Braquet, and her family. She began work as a cancer research scientist at Tulane University School of Medicine until her retirement. Later in life, Rose dedicated herself to serving her family and St. Rita Parish, while spending her free time as an avid artist.
Rose lived her life in pursuit of faith, education and community. Rose is survived by her sister’s children, Peter Braquet (Mary), Joseph Braquet, Ann Braquet Kenney (Tom), Mary Braquet Everson (Doug) and Patricia Braquet who all were privileged and blessed to regard her as a second mother. She is also survived by an extensive family of nieces and nephews, (including great and great-great) who will forever love their dear “Aunt Rosie” and cherish the unrelenting support, wisdom and wit she brought into their lives.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at ST. RITA CATHOLIC CHURCH in Harahan, 7100 Jefferson Hwy, on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 8:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Catholic Charities of New Orleans or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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