Rosemary Kirchem

Rosemary Scanlan Gendusa passed away peacefully on December 5, 2017. She was 95 years old. Rosemary was preceded in death by her first husband Joseph John Gendusa, Sr. and her second husband William Kirchem. She is survived by her son Joseph John Gendusa, Jr. and her three granddaughters Amy Price, Allison Block, and Katie Bodin.

Rosemary, called Rose by her friends, was known for her work ethic and her love of travel and a good party. She was quick to laugh and a fan of puns. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1922 and was the last surviving of her seven siblings. She married Joseph just out of high school and was a supportive Army spouse throughout his military career, which lasted until the late 1960s.

Rose and Joseph opened a bakery together in New Orleans after he returned from the Second World War. They operated the business until the mid-1960s and planned to retire. Life had other plans. Rose had created a popular seasoning blend that she sold from the bakery counter. Soon after closing the bakery, they opened a new business mass-producing and distributing the seasoning to grocery stores across the region. Joe Sr. passed away in 1981. Rose continued to operate the business until the late 1980s when she sold it to her son.

Rose married William Kirchem in 1982 and they resided in the Bay St. Louis area. After William’s passing, Rosemary spent her retirement years in Bay St. Louis, where she was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. She volunteered at the Mississippi welcome center throughout the 1990s. Rose spent her later years at Park Provence where she was cared for by a wonderful staff.

A graveside service ceremony will be held at Lake Lawn Funeral Home at 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard New Orleans, LA 70124on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in the name of Parkinson’s research.