Rosemary Friend

Rosemary Friend, 89, of Empire, left this earth peacefully in her sleep, June 13, 2021.
Born in Grand Rapids, July 25, 1931, daughter to Richard and Mary (Whitaker) Roberts. Rosemary attended and graduated from Catholic Central in Grand Rapids, and then earned her Nursing degree from Mount Carmel School of Nursing, Detroit.

In 1954 Rosemary married (her) Harry Friend and began a family, raising them in Southfield. Rosemary was an attentive mother, involved in all of her children's activities. In 1985 the couple moved to Empire, where they remain today.

Rosemary was a loyal parishioner at St Gerard and Saint Philip Neri, becoming a precious thread of fabric within the congregation and surrounding community. Her devotion to God reserved her heavenly place to rest.

Rosemary was a vivacious example of authentic self. She was fierce, strong, intelligent and kind. Well known and loved in her community, welcoming anyone with open arms in conversation everywhere she went. She enjoyed traveling and doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren, sending them postcards and trinkets from her adventures.

Rosemary leaves behind her husband Harry; children Laura Sielaff, Paul, John (Darlene) and David (Nancy) and Steven (Vieng) Cheung; grandchildren Michael (Sarah), Dustin (Jodi), Jason (Andrea), Jesse (Verna), Mitchell, Lindsey, Pvt. Joseph Friend and Nicholas; 14 beloved great-grandchildren; brother Don (Shirley) Roberts; son-in-law Bruce Meteva and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Michele, with whom she shared a birthday with.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, June 18, 11:00 AM, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Empire. Visitation one hour prior to Mass.

Consider memorials to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church or to Corpus Christi Catholic Church (formerly St. Gerard Parish), in Detroit.

Memories may be shared on Rosemary's tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com