Rosemary Agnes Hefferan

December 28, 1935 - September 14, 2016

ELK RAPIDS – Mom has ended her earthly journey with us, and begun her eternal one with those who preceded her, including so many best friends, parents Hugo and Nora, daughter Rosemary, and husband Mike (Dad, thanks for sending the Bald Eagle to watch over us these past few months). Born in Detroit, MI December 28, 1935, Mom was proud to be the granddaughter of German immigrants who entered the United States through Ellis Island and began the family business in 1888, Detroit Cornice and Slate. In 1956, Mom married our Dad at Holy Name Parish, Birmingham, MI. By age 25 she was raising three girls, Marijo, Kathy, and Anne. A few years later Bill joined them. She spent 59 years, including her last days here, talking to (and boy could our Mom talk!) her kids, then their spouses, and finally grandkids Laura and Michael. She taught us to be careful, “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”. When we wished for things, she chided “well it’s always good to have dreams”. She made us believe “Find a penny; pick it up, all the day you’ll have good luck”. She instilled confidence “you can be whatever you want to be”, and we never went hungry because she could “make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”. (No need to worry about us anymore Mom. We miss you but thanks to you, we are, and will be good). She cherished her bridge club and golf course friends (you were all in her daily thoughts and prayers), but was equally happy relaxing on the couch solving crossword puzzles, reading books, or listening to her Detroit Tigers. With her own All-Star Rotation (Mo, Kath, Annie and Laura) providing her comfort, Mom was so thankful to depart this life from her home gazing over the blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay. She said “How blessed I am to live in paradise and have such wonderful friends, both here and in my church family”. Most importantly, to all the irreplaceable friends at Sacred Heart Parish, our sincerest and everlasting thanks for your support throughout, and making Mom part of your family. For her entire life she possessed the faith of Abraham, so this is not goodbye but until we meet again. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Wed. Sept. 21, 2016 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids. Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Robert J. Zuchowski presiding. Burial will follow the service at Sacred Heart Cemetery. If possible please bring your smiles and laughs. We might need to borrow them for a little while. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church or Mom’s favorite charity Good Samaritan, Ellsworth MI. One last favor please, tell your family and friends you love them today. Mom would have liked that. Please share your thoughts and memories with Rosemary’s family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.