Rosemary E. Reese

Rosemary Ellen Reese (nee Walsh), 87, of Huron, died February 27 at Stein Hospice in Sandusky, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born June 2, 1936, to Hazel and Frank Walsh of Parma. She met the love of her life, Donald “Moe” Reese at Holy Name High School, where he played football and she was Homecoming Queen. She studied at St. John’s School of Nursing and became an RN.  While Don finished his engineering degree in Toledo, Rosemary worked in community health and gave birth to their first two daughters. They moved to Parma, had two more children, then settled in Huron on Lake Erie’s shore as the family grew to include ten children. They welcomed other children and adults needing a temporary home for weeks, months, or years. Together they created a home where people could sing, could grieve, could celebrate.  

Rosemary’s life revolved around family, both nuclear and extended. She taught Lamaze Childbirth Education classes and helped new moms through the La Leche League. She was a labor and delivery nurse extraordinaire. When a family member or friend needed help, Rosemary was there in a moment’s notice, to cook, to clean, to take care of children, or to simply help you find the right outfit to wear. She could make a meal for 20 on a galley stove on a sailboat.

She and Don were longtime parishioners of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Huron. They taught religious education and worked on retreats for high school students. They advocated for justice in the church and in the community, both in word and in action. 

Rosemary is survived by children Mary (Will) Folger, Susan (Tom Merrell) Reese, Nan (Tom) Csarny, Dan (Jean) Reese, Kay (John) McDonough, Dick Reese, Maura (Joe) Giardina, Sarah Souter, Megan (John) Wile, and David (Jessica) Reese; 26 grandchildren Chris (Ashley) Folger, Shannon (Jon) Dominy, Susan (Noah Evans) Folger, Tim (Laura) Folger; Jen (Eric) Wobser, Lauren Lee; Frances (Patrick Connelly) Csarny, Mary (Michael) Neiger, Paul Csarny; Erika (Josh) Gazetta, Brian Reese; Katie (Will) Zibers, Rachel (Adam Coleman) Esposito, Emma Esposito; Anne Marie (Robert) Rhodes, Rosemary (Bryan Connelly) Giardina, Maureen Giardina, Monika (Michael) Burlingame; Megan and Holly Souter; Emily, Alivia, Elizabeth, and Anna Wile; Mae and Eliza Reese; and 13 great grandchildren: Casey, Owen, Reese, and Sam Folger; Ben, Maggie, and Ella Dominy; Eleanor Folger; Perry and Hayes Wobser; Lucy Gazetta; Dempsey Zibers; Rayne Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Hazel Walsh, her husband Don, and her brothers Dick (Colleen) Walsh and Tom (Jean) Walsh. 

Friends may call on Friday, March 1 from 4-7 PM at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory (410 Main Street, Huron). A prayer service will be held at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 AM at St Peter Catholic Church (430 Main Street, Huron).  

Memorial contributions may be made in Rosemary’s name to Stein Hospice Services (1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky OH 44870) or the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of St. Peter Church (430 Main Street, Huron)

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com. 

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