Rosemary's life story, adapted from her handwritten journal entry dated December 23, 2003. I entered this world in Indianapolis, Indiana, on a bitterly cold day at home, November 16th, 1933, right at the stroke of noon. From my early days Mama described me as a sensitive
and observant baby, soaking in the world around me. I received the name Rose in honor to my Great grandmother and my middle name, Mary, was a tribute to my mother. My father, Robert Edward Grundy, mother, Mary Thomas Howard, elder sister Anna Louise and I spent my early
childhood years in a neighborhood filled with grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. I loved the feeling of being part of such a big family. Mama would hot comb my hair, shine my shoes, and adorn my sandy curls with ribbons in preparation for church. Sundays were spent at church where I sang in the choir and admired my sister Louise's piano skills during worship service. While I still believe I have a voice and can
manage to play the piano a bit, although I jokingly call it "just banging on the keys" my true talent was the gift of gab. My father, a dedicated member of the church, served on the deacon's board, taught Sunday school, and drove the church bus. He tasked me with learning and
reciting the second chapter of Luke. I took great joy in sharing my talents and could still remember every word, verbatim even after nearly 60 years. I was a chubby little nine-year-old when my parents divorced. Despite the challenges mama, Louise and I faced, we always found strength in each other's company. Mama had a knack for turning even the toughest situations into moments of joy. I never felt like we were truly
lacking because our home was always filled with happiness. My mom was my greatest teacher, imparting invaluable lessons about life. She taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience, all anchored in our unwavering faith in a risen Savior. My parents would eventually remarry, both bringing wonderful stepparents who would pour directly into my young life. Their unions welcomed 9 siblings and my beloved little sister, Romona Froncine into my life. We were one big happy family, who trusted God and depended solely on Jesus to keep us steadfast and unmovable as a family unit.

As a young teenager, I relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to live with my dad and family. At 15 years old I began working at Woolworths department store as a coffee server. Perhaps that's why I love coffee so much to this day. We were just kids when I met my beloved, Robert Joe Burnett Jr. (Bobby) at a local BBQ joint. He was handsome and polite. With our father's permission, him at sixteen and me at seventeen we married June 9th, 1951. Shortly thereafter we would become parents. We were so in love and doing well. Bobby worked as a mailman while I worked at General Electric power plant. By the time I was 25, we saved enough money to purchase our very first home together. By the time I was 28 we had six beautiful children, three girls, Vonda, Vicky, Valerie and three sons, Robert Joe, Richard James and Randall Jason. Life was good. In 1968, Bobby and I made the decision to move to California. Eventually, settling in Oakland California, concentrating on raising our children. Bob established his small business "Use Me and Save" hauling service in 1970, and I began my tenure with Shoreline North Convalescent Hospital working as a certified nursing assistant. I was sure happiness would continue to be our fate. But we know life is full of ups and downs, and unforeseen circumstances. In 1981, like a mad tornado my life was destroyed, just like that at 47 years young, the love of my life, Bobby, would make his journey towards heaven.

After a brief stay in Indianapolis, following Bobby's death, I knew that my true joy and happiness were all living in California. I missed holiday gatherings, family bible studies and the long conversation at the kitchen table. I dreamed of having coffee again with my girls or spending weekends at the boy's house or squeezing the newest grandchild's cheeks. I decided to return to California for good. Life was blissful again. I immersed myself in them and my new life.  I discovered solace in caring for others, leading me to work as a nanny for 8 years. After retirement , I found joy in simple pleasures like savoring a cup of coffee, solving crossword puzzles, reading my Bible and writing poetry. I love and I mean really love Michael Jackson. However, my greatest joy stems from witnessing my grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow in the Lord. All my children have been blessed with good kids and spouses. That makes me and Bobby (I'm sure) so happy and proud. We both grew up in
families that valued and loved family. Family was family and is family. Family trumps everyone and everything except Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and the Father. So, when my tired eyes close for the last time, I pray that my life has cast a positive shadow. I pray God gives my heart a new song. Let me fly high and away even though I don't have wings, let my goodness soar, correct my wrongs into right so I won't be charged with
carrying them anymore. God be with me when my horse becomes lame as I ride without a saddle on that last and glorious getting up day.

Love you, love you
Rosemary