Rosemary Cooper Huntsman

On May 21st, Rosemary Cooper Huntsman passed away peacefully at her family’s home at the remarkable age of 99, having enjoyed decades of good health, independence, and precious time with her ever-expanding family.

 Born on October 17, 1924, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rosemary and her brother, Dick, moved to Chicago during their early childhood. After graduating from high school amidst the turmoil of World War II, she joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. One evening, while walking home from work, she stumbled upon an Officer’s Ball and decided to pause and enjoy the live music on a pleasant evening. It was there that she met a handsome soldier in a U.S. Army uniform, sparking a conversation that would change her life forever.

 Rosemary married William (Bill) Cooper in Chicago in April 1945. While Bill pursued his master’s degree PhD at Northwestern University, they made their home in the Chicago suburbs and welcomed two sons and later a daughter. Their journey took them to Athens, Ohio, when Bill accepted a position as a Professor of Education and Director of the Reading Laboratory at Ohio University. Together, they embarked on numerous adventures, spending summers in Mexico and living abroad in Nigeria and St. Croix. Despite their travels, Athens and their beloved farmhouse on Strouds Run Road remained their lifelong home.

 Rosemary’s career was spent at Ohio University, where she served as the Coordinator at Galbreath Chapel for many years. Both her son Randy and granddaughter Emily were later married there. She also served as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Business. After Bill's passing from cancer in 1984, she remained actively involved in the community with social clubs and St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Later in life, she married Bill Huntsman in the mid-90s, a wonderful man whom the grandchildren came to consider their grandfather.

 Family was everything to Rosemary – the beginning, middle, and end. A devoted caretaker throughout her life, she found immense joy in witnessing her family grow. She cherished her role as mother to Richard (Lynn), Randy (Nancy), and Crysteen; grandmother to Miranda (Bryan), Emily (David), Natalie (Zach), and Elise. She reveled in being known as “GiGi” - Great Grandma - to her seven great-grandchildren: Quinn, Nora, Beau, Mia, Jack, Henry, and Sophia.

 Fiercely independent, practical, and resourceful, Rosemary lived unassisted in her own home until the age of 98. The Great Depression instilled in her a love for "bargains" and a reluctance to discard anything of value. She found solace in life's simple pleasures: a good book, tending her garden, solving word puzzles, basking in the beauty of a spring day, and savoring a delicious dessert. Her family will deeply miss her steadfast presence, captivating stories, and bright smile with a twinkle in her eye during moments of humor or colorful commentary.

 Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her century-long life, Rosemary maintained a remarkably positive outlook, often expressing gratitude for the wonderful journey she experienced. Recently, she remarked to her family, "I’ve been so lucky, really and truly. Life has had its ups and downs, but when I look at everything, and look at our family, it's almost like a miracle that I should be the matriarch of four generations. I cherish you all so deeply."

 Rosemary is preceded in death by many loved ones, including Bill Cooper, Bill Huntsman, and her son, Randy. 

 The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Robin Erwin and the Lindley Inn staff for their friendship and compassionate care. 

 To our beloved Gigi – we will strive to navigate this new world without you, comforted by the knowledge that you are now reunited with those you loved. Thank you for being a constant source of love, strength, and unwavering support in our lives. We will forever cherish the memories we shared and the legacy you leave behind.