BROWN

ROSEMARY L.

Rosemary L. Brown, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and devoted friend, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, February 9, 2026. A resident of Valencia, PA, formerly Gibsonia, she was born in Homewood, Illinois, on May 22, 1934, to the late Hildegarde (Herrmann) and William S. Ohnemus.

Beloved wife for 69 years of the late John R. Brown, the two jitterbugged their way through life, standing strong and making wonderful memories together. Loving mother of Julie (Vic) Cerra, Kathy (David Goldstein) Brown, Peggy (Pete) Hudac, Tim Brown, Maureen (Dan) Razum, Sheila (Mark) Thomas, Bridget (John) Lane; and predeceased son, John W. Brown. Sister of the late William (surviving, Patti) Ohnemus. Dear grandmother of Liz, Emily, Mike, Carrie, Nicole, Jessica, John A., Josh, Nate, Owen, Coby, Megan, Tara, Jesse, Curt, Molly, Olivia, Diana, Riley, McKenna, and Mason. She is also survived by 20 cherished great-grandchildren; and by much-loved nieces and nephews; and her loyal canine companion, Dixie.

Growing up near Chicago, Rosemary spent much of her active childhood outside tending to the family vegetable garden and the chickens with her mother, activities that became lifelong passions. Always on the go, Rosemary enjoyed performing in plays, playing tennis, tap dancing, and cheerleading at Bloom High School, where she met the love of her life, John. She continued her education, earning her RN degree at the Evanston Hospital School of Nursing in June of 1955. Soon after, Rosemary and John married, making northern Indiana their home, where Rosemary began her pediatric nursing career. Their family quickly grew to seven children, and they moved to a small farm where Ro's passion for gardening flourished with a fruit orchard, a large vegetable garden, chickens, and sheep. From there they relocated to East Tennessee, building their dream home and adding their eighth child to complete their brood. In 1976, Ro and John established a new home base in Gibsonia, PA.

Her faith, family, and community were of utmost importance to her. Known for her generosity, quick wit, and helpful nature, Rosemary was a lifelong volunteer serving in multiple areas; she was active in several parish ministries and many community groups and services and was always there to help a friend in need. She was also a loyal supporter of her grandchildren's activities, and she was often found in the stands and audience at many games and performances. Visits and artwork from her great-grandchildren brought her much joy and happiness.

Rosemary enjoyed traveling and cheering on the Fighting Irish and was a wonderful cook. She was very intelligent, superb at problem solving, and could rival the best in a crossword puzzle or while watching Jeopardy. She appreciated new adventures, such as opening one of the first resale shops in the area (The Pennyworth Shop), and opportunities to learn.

Rosemary will be deeply missed by family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Holy Sepulcher Church, Butler, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines (guidedogsofamerica.org) or The Lighthouse Foundation (www.thelighthousepa.org). Arrangements by SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, LTD., Bakerstown, PA.

www.schellhaasfh.com