Rosemary Ann Smith's Obituary
Rosemary Ann Smith (Leahy), affectionately known as Rosie, peacefully passed away on September 16, 2023, at the age of 79 in Bixby, Oklahoma. Rosie was born on August 7, 1944, in Port Huron, Michigan, to her loving parents, Donald and Mary Leahy, who preceded her in death.
The impact of Rosie’s beautiful life is difficult to put into words. Family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to have met her, will never forget her joyous presence. Just once or twice in life, if we’re lucky, do we get the chance to cross paths with someone whose intelligence, vision, charm, humor, and love light them from the inside out. Our beloved Rosie has been that person for so many. Her lightheartedness and sense of humor were a delight, while her calming, quiet, confidence and strength were relied upon by so many.
Rosie grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, with her backyard directly on the banks of Lake Huron. She was an only child whose parents adored her and whose spirited personality kept them on their toes. She attended St. Stephens Catholic High School and she shared more than one story about how that spirit of hers led to a rap on the knuckles by a frustrated nun. While there is no doubt she is dancing in heaven, she did enjoy giving the nuns a run for their money.
Rosie attended Western Michigan for her undergraduate degree in early childhood education. There she met her one and only, Cary Smith. Rosie and Cary married on June 17, 1967, in Port Huron, Michigan. Throughout the years they lived in Kalamazoo, MI, Chicago, IL, and eventually settled in Tulsa, OK. They had two children who would become Rosie’s world (and vice versa). She adored her grandchildren and took advantage of every single moment she had with them – she took delight in their every move. Rosie and Cary had many adventures throughout their marriage of 56 years. They experienced all of life together – joys, sorrows, and the millions of moments in between. Cary was by her side for her final breath, at home. Cary served her faithfully for eight years as her sole caregiver while her health slowly declined due to Alzheimer’s.
In addition to family, Rosie’s passion was education. She received her Master of Education degree on May 10, 1990, from Northeastern State University. Rosie served as interim director for the primary school at Holland Hall, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but most of her career was dedicated to the Jenks Public Schools system. She served as the principal at Jenks Southeast Elementary for many years. Prior to that role, Rosie served many roles in the Jenks Public Schools system. She was a teacher at Jenks East Elementary, the Gifted Coordinator at Jenks Southeast Elementary, the Gifted Lab Specialist at Jenks East Elementary and Jenks Southeast Elementary, and Grade Chairperson at Jenks East Elementary. Rosie served on various boards and committees, including the Crisis Intervention Team, Early Childhood Curriculum Committee, Gifted Curriculum Committee, and Vision 21 Task Force Committee, to name a few.
Her dedication to learning and teaching was evident throughout her career. All who worked with her knew her to be a truly gifted educator whose devotion to the students she served was not only unmatched, but unconditional. Students, parents, and her fellow educators have shared countless stories about the ways Rosie touched their lives.
Rosie is survived by her beloved husband, Cary Smith, and their children: Amy Smith Newsom, Adam Murphy, and their spouses, Gant Newsom and Jill Croka, respectively. Rosie was a proud grandmother to Clara Newsom, Lila Newsom, and Brooks Murphy.
Rosie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy as a wife, mother, friend, and educator, and her lovely spirit will forever be remembered.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 12:30 PM, Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
What’s your fondest memory of Rosemary?
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Share a story where Rosemary's kindness touched your heart.
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