In Loving Memory of Rosemary A. Burdick 

Rosemary passed away on July 23 at the age of 85. She was a steady, loving presence in the lives of her family and friends.

Born on April 7, 1940, in Endicott, New York, Rosemary was raised there and often reminisced about the joyful times spent with her sisters and many cousins, filled with laughter, closeness, and cherished memories. She married David on December 29, 1961, and together they had three beautiful children, Dean, Julie, and Michelle.

Rosemary worked as a dental hygienist and notably became the first registered dental hygienist in Alaska while her husband, David, was stationed in the US Army in Anchorage. She was always proud of her work and the people she helped throughout her career. 

After retiring from her dental career, Rosemary proudly opened Webster Stationery, later known as Webster Office Supply, in the village of Webster. It was a welcoming spot where neighbors could stop in for a conversation, a pen, paper, and a friendly smile. She took pride in serving her community, loved being part of the village's business activity, and cherished the friendships and memories she built.

Rosemary also believed in giving back. Alongside her husband, David, she was active in the Cottreall-Warner Post 942 American Legion in Webster, where he served as Commander and she as President of the Women's Auxiliary. They worked side by side organizing dinners, fundraising events, and marching in local parades, always focused on honoring veterans, building friendships, and giving back to the town they loved.

Rosemary had a deep appreciation for the things she loved. She collected Blue Willow and pink depression glass and spent many summers camping at Brennan Beach with her family. She enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Ireland and Italy with her daughter, Julie, granddaughter, Jessica, and niece, Margie. She also shared great memories traveling with her sister, Bonnie and cousins, Linda and Maureen.

Some of the most important trips Rosemary took were with her daughter, Michelle, to Nashville, searching for cancer treatments and supporting her every step of the way. She was fully present, offering calm, care, and strength during the hardest times.

She loved her dogs, Elmo, Ernie, and later Eddie, who gave her company and comfort over the years. “Grandma Ernie” was wishing for a dog to sit on her lap right up to the very end. 

At the age of 68, Rosemary had a stroke. Even then, she was determined to stay independent and never let it define her. She faced the challenge head-on, living her life with quiet strength and routine. Hundreds of hours of therapy over the years allowed her to continue doing some of her favorite things, like shopping with Julie, eating out at restaurants, enjoying family gatherings, holding all her great grandchildren and walking down the aisle at her grandkids’ weddings. 

She created traditions that became an integral part of her family's identity. Her grandchildren will remember meatballs on a fork, pizzelles, chocolate chip cookies, her chicken soup, and eggplant parmesan. Her backyard was a place where the boys would hunt for dinosaurs, and the front yard tree became a climbing spot where they would wait to show Grandma how high they were. Every Christmas Eve at Grandma and Papa’s brought matching pajamas, hot chocolate in crayon mugs, and her Christmas village lit up just right. They will also remember watching movies like Dirty Dancing, A Christmas Story, Rock-a-Bye Baby, and dancing to Baby Songs in the living room, all wrapped in warmth and love.

Rosemary is survived by her husband, David, and children, Dean (Linda) Burdick, Julie (Chris) Provenzano; her grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Dearbeck, Elise (Derek) Hagen, Leah (Shaun) Levine, Adam (Emily) Burdick, Christopher (Morgan) Provenzano, Michael (Kelly Pizzingrilli) Burdick; her great grandchildren, Adelynn, Cameron and Annika Hagen, Jonah and Lucy Levine, and Boston Provenzano; her sister, Bonnie Mandyke; her sister in-law, Brenda Bowers, and several nieces and nephews. 

Rosemary is preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Latona; her parents, Angelo and Mary Pero; her sister, Lucille Fetsko; her father and mother in-law, Clarence and Virginia Burdick; her brothers in-law, Sandy Mandyke, William Bowers, Francis Fetsko; and her nephew, Jack Fetsko.

Calling hours to remember Rosemary with her family will be held on July 30, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home at 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield NY. 

A Funeral Mass in her honor will be held on July 31, at 1:00 pm at St. Rita’s Catholic Church at 1008 Maple Dr, Webster, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Webster Comfort Care Home 700 Holt Road, Webster NY 14580, in honor of Rosemary where she received such wonderful care. 

https://www.webstercomfortcare.org/donations.php

Her life was full of love, family, tradition, and service. Her memory will live on in all the lives she touched. She will always be remembered for having the most beautiful smile and will be missed every day.