Rosemary Finnegan Getty

Rosemary Getty, 82, passed away peacefully at home in Del Mar surrounded by her family on January 31, 2024, following a brief and unexpected illness. Rosemary was born in New York on December 4, 1941, to Anna Marie and Bernard Finnegan. Her parents previously immigrated from Ireland. Rosemary married Robert Getty in 1962, and they moved to San Diego in 1963.

She was a loving and supportive mother to three sons: Bill, Michael and Jeffrey. Her love for her sons was unwavering throughout her life. She lived her life consistently providing an example of how to live life as a fully devoted Catholic from her birth to her death. She carried on this life example to her grandchildren: Christine, Ryan, Kyle, Sophia and Sean and her beloved great granddaughter, Charley Mae.

Rosemary became an accomplished Administrative Assistant to a number of law professors at the University of San Diego School of Law, working there in that capacity for 25 years. She was well respected and appreciated at USD by the faculty, staff and students. She developed close relationships and friendships with many there, including Professors Bernie Siegan, Virginia Nolan, Darryl Bratton, Ginnie Shue, Ralph Folsom and Joseph Darby.

Rosemary’s defining quality was her deep and very devout Catholic faith. She spent countless hours in prayer as well as reading the Bible and thousands of books. She also lived her faith daily by actively participating in the Catholic Church and working tirelessly to bring others to God. This was exhibited in her involvement with various groups including the Lay Carmelites, rosary prayer groups and San Diego Pro Life. Despite facing many challenges and difficulties in life, her faith never wavered and instead greatly strengthened. Rosemary provided an example to those around her of how to live life devoted to God. Rosemary’s life is characterized by faith, love, hope, resilience and generosity.

Rosemary is survived by her son Jeffery, son Bill (Laurie), her grandchildren and great granddaughter, many relatives from Ireland and countless friends who hold love and gratitude in their hearts for such a special and devoted woman. Rosemary lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

A traditional Mass for her will take place on February 12, 2024 at El Camino Memorial in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation in Rosemary’s name may be made to any of the following:

St. Michael’s Abbey

https://stmichaelsabbey.com/one-time-donation/

Saint Anne Catholic Church

https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Dc8dzPGn4-LCajFevTkh9CfOvLc4bga6Ib7sM5bfNmUQ6uDF5yexdvogS8kjcMcbiRXNaaX6zm4RrdrGXZBfd7o7zqy-JU_UuLu19bUbJx0afhUKMFOU9tvtnnBP7VgCk0PpduXvnt8gXUeZjQYbn2I4zMT2PEZ1PSYYbVTpaLI=&ver=3

Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest

https://institute-christ-king.org/donations

Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

https://www.fairfieldcarmelites.org/take-action