Rosemary Brandenburg White

Rosemary Brandenburg White, born June 28, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully, October 23, 2025, surrounded by love. She is survived by her niece, Mary Bell in Oklahoma, and by many friends.

She was the daughter of Barney and Ina Brandenburg. After moving to Chicago, Rosemary attended St. Peter’s Junior School. Her beloved sister, Judy, was born in 1947 and preceded her in death in the 1980s. The family later settled in Portland, Oregon, where Rosemary truly made her home.

Rosemary was honored as a Junior Rose Festival Princess in 1951. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Richard (“Dick”) White, who was serving in the Navy. The two were married on July 11, 1958, in Stevenson, Washington. While Dick was still serving, Rosemary proudly completed her education at Portland Public Evening High School, graduating on June 12, 1959.

Together, Rosemary and Richard built a beautiful life full of laughter, friendship, and adventure. They were die-hard Trail Blazers fans and proudly held season tickets for many years. Their “second love” after each other was their adored Lhasa Poo, Maxine, who brought endless joy to their lives after joining the family in 2007.

Rosemary was the epitome of beauty and grace — the most beautiful and classiest lady. She had an impressive collection of designer purses and always dressed to the “nines”. Her elegance was matched only by her kindness and warmth.

Rosemary courageously battled cancer twice—and won both times. She worked in advertising and marketing at Fred Meyer and Lloyd Center, where her creativity and professionalism shone brightly.

In 1959, Rosemary and Richard met Dale and LaVonne Harding, forming a lifelong friendship that became more like family. Rosemary and LaVonne became inseparable—bowling teammates, travel companions, and best friends who filled decades with laughter and adventures across the country.

After Dale's passing, Rosemary and Richard remained close to LaVonne and her family, attending every holiday and special occasion. Even after Richard’s passing more than a decade later, Rosemary and LaVonne’s friendship endured. They were sisters at heart — always there for one another through life’s ups and downs.

Rosemary and Richard were also very close to the Harding children, Susan and her husband Bob, Steven and his wife Jackie, and Sandra. After LaVonne passed a few years ago, Susan and Bob ensured Rosemary was cared for by finding her a new home at Lia's Eldercare. Lia cared for her and loved her in her final years.

Rosemary will also be missed by the Harding grand and great-grandchildren, who grew up seeing Dick and Rosemary at every important event — as beloved honorary family members whose presence made every celebration brighter.

I imagine Rosemary saw the brightest light when she passed, because she was truly good — inside and out.

“A few are indelible. A few are irreplaceable. But only a very few are both indelible and irreplaceable. Rosemary, you will be missed.”