Rosemary Parisi went to her eternal rest on May 25th, 2020. She was born in Houston, Texas on November 22nd, 1932 to Cosimo and Lucille Rizzo and was the eldest of three children. Rosemary attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School in Houston and after the family moved to Liberty, Texas she attended and graduated from Liberty High School. Rosemary met the love of her life, Stephen Parisi at the University of St. Thomas in Houston where they graduated and she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Rosemary and Steve married April 18th, 1954 and Rosemary taught school for a few years before they lovingly started raising five children in a family of strong Catholic faith.
Rosemary and Steve were married for 63 years until Steve died in 2017. Rosemary helped many years volunteering at St. Christopher Elementary and St Thomas High School as Room Mother and Booster Club to name a few. Later in her life she cherished her time preparing the altar at St. Laurence’s Chapel 6:00 am daily Mass. Due to failing eye sight she sadly had to give up her position after many years.
Rosemary was known as “Nonie” by her precious grandchildren. Family to her was a Blessing from God and so important that she was always there for them. Her quiet gentle ways guided them lovingly. Rosemary’s cooking was superb especially her pasta, meatballs and short ribs. Big family dinners always started with delicious meatballs poor boys as an appetizer. She would work tirelessly with a smile on her face to prepare a feast all would enjoy. Traveling extensively domestically and internationally with Steve, Sam her brother, Jan her sister and their spouses was always full of good times with many laughs and treasured memories. Rosemary’s favorites were visiting Italy and the casinos in Las Vegas. Video poker was her favorite game and she reminded us she had many Royal Straight Flushes even once back-to-back progressive jackpots.
Rosemary is predeceased by her parents Cosimo and Lucille Rizzo, her in- laws Joe and Lucille Parisi, her husband Steve, Brother Sam Rizzo, sister-in-law Nedie Rizzo, and her brother- in -law Johnny Rinando. Her sister, Jan Sellers and her brother-in-law John Sellers and nephews Chris (wife Brandi) and Paul Sellers (wife Jill) survive her. Her sister-in-law Isabella Rinando and nephews John Maida Rinando lll and Jamie Rinando (wife Janette) survive her.
Rosemary is survived by her children Joseph Parisi and wife Becky, Cosmo Parisi and wife Renee, Stephen Parisi and wife Terry, Jim Parisi and wife Tami, daughter Stephanie Dodd and husband Bill.
Rosemary is survived by her Grandchildren:
Angela Parisi , Adrea Parisi and husband David, Bradley Parisi and wife Vivian, Isabella and Mia Parisi, Jennifer and Phillip Parisi, Will, Vincent and Andrew Parisi , Nicholas and Billy Dodd.
Great- Great Grandchildren:
Alissa and Jeffrey Beckmann; Ryan and Valentia Soca.
At the request of the family, a visitation will not be held.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Laurence Catholic Church located at 3100 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land, Texas with a graveside service to follow at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rosemary's name to St. Laurence Catholic Church.
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