Earl Park - "We give thanks for God's grace and sustaining strength during the four days following our mother's stroke on Sunday morning, March 3, 2013. We celebrate her passing from life to LIFE on March 7, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. surrounded by her family, His presence, and nurses who were angels to us all. We miss Mom already, but she lived 89 years young, loving and serving. And we were able to love and serve her, especially the final five days of her earthly life. She set an example for us to follow - Live, Love, Laugh and leave a legacy of love."

Rosemary C. Budreau was born on April 9, 1924 in Stockland, Illinois and passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital East on March 7, 2013. She was the daughter of Michael and Marie Donahue Cooley. She graduated as Valedictorian at Freeland Park High School in 1942. She married George E. Budreau Jr. on November 25, 1943. George passed away on November 9, 1999, after a year of illness at home having been lovingly cared for by Rosemary. Their six children are Georgiann Johnson, Fort Wayne; Kathy ( husband Mike) Mercer, Dover, Delaware; Marleen (husband Jim) Robinson, Kentland; Alan G. Budreau of Fowler; Jeannie (husband Curtis) Stevens of Crawfordsville; and Gordon (wife Jan) Budreau of Denver, Colorado. Nine grandchildren are Janelle Souder, Sean and Todd Mercer, Kyle and Jason Robinson, Dustan and Aaron Stevens, and David and Faith Budreau. Six great grandchildren are Grace and Ethan Mercer, Austin and Hailey Robinson, and Caleb and Teagan Stevens. Rosemary's three surviving sisters are Rita Lundgren, Salt Lake City, Utah; Ruthann Wolfe of West Lafayette; and Jan Flora of Delphi. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including seven who called her their "second mom" - children of Rosemary's sister, Helen, who was married to George's brother, Leonard. She loved her special Benton County neighbors, Paul and Barbara Hardebeck and David and Jane Smith.

Rosemary was predeceased by her parents and nine of her twelve siblings - Norbert, Bernard, Paul, Kenny and David Cooley; Aletha Reifel; Helen Budreau; and two infants.

Rosemary was a true farmer's wife, working indoors as well as outdoors in the fields. She served with her hands - sewing, quilting, gardening and cooking. She loved making delicious homemade noodles and toffee cookies to share with others. Rosemary and George wintered in Brownsville, Texas for many years. She selflessly served her church, St. John the Baptist, and the Women's Rosary Society. She visited the homebound as well as nursing home residents. She provided food and friendship to whoever had a need. For the past two years, she resided in Assisted Living and enjoyed the chapel, bingo and Tai Chi.

On Saturday, APRIL 13, a celebratory Mass honoring Rosemary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time at St. John the Baptist Church, Earl Park. Following the service, a luncheon will be served in the church's fellowship hall for sharing memories, honoring her, and carrying on her legacy of love.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rosemary's honor to "Hands to Love," a non-profit for children with physical differences at www.handstolove.org or to St. John the Baptist Rosary Society of Earl Park. Windler Funeral Home, Fowler, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Journal & Courier from March 9 to March 10, 2013