Rosemarie Fereday

Rosemarie Fereday, 93, died July 3, 2020, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was born May 10, 1927, in the Free City of Danzig, to Helen and Joseph Rompza. The family moved to Berlin, Germany, in 1932. Seeking a better life for his family, Joseph moved to the United States prior to the start of the World War II. Rosemarie, her mother, grandmother, and sister remained in Berlin until after the war. They emigrated to the U.S. in June 1946 aboard the SS Marine Perch at which time they were reunited with her father. The family settled in Scarsdale, NY and she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in July 1949. At the end World War II in Europe while still living in Berlin, she worked for the Allied Forces as a translator. There she met her future husband, Edgar R. Brelsford, who was serving in the U.S. Army. After she emigrated to the U.S. they reunited and were married in Cumberland, MD, on January 3, 1947. The couple first lived in Yonkers, NY, then moved to Pompano Beach, FL. Later, she moved to Arlington, VA, and then married Thomas Price Fereday Jr. on April 30, 1960. She remained in Arlington until her move to Virginia Beach and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2012. She enjoyed gardening, listening to music, and was an avid investor and cat lover. She also appreciated Asian art and loved going to auctions and estate sales. She is survived by daughters, Vivian Baylor, Lorraine Fereday and her husband, Dewey Collier, grandchildren, Katharine Pinney and her husband, Brad Pinney, Caroline Baylor, T. Chase Fereday, and Jackson Fereday, along with great-grandchildren, Parker Pinney and Elise Pinney, and her sister Evelyn Costello. She was predeceased by her son, Thomas Price Fereday III, and her brother-in-law Edward Costello. Her family is thankful for the care provided by Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the many staff members who became part of her family and friends. Her family would also like to thank the Medi Home Health and Hospice staff for the wonderful care and support they provided. She requested there be no funeral. Also at her request her ashes will be interred in the columbarium at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Raleigh, NC.. Smith and Williams Funeral Home in Virginia Beach is in charge of arrangements. Memorial services will be planned for a later date in Virginia Beach and upon interment. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.