Rosie Marie Mehaffey, 71, of Empire, passed away June 18, 2022.

She was born April 3, 1951, in Lansing, Michigan; daughter to Lawrence and Dorothy (Murphy) Kain.

You couldn't meet a nicer and kinder person than Rosie. Her friends and family depended on her quiet sense of humor and diplomacy, love for those she treasured, and her uncanny ability to consistently bring calmness to any situation.

In addition to nurturing deep friendships, Rosie also loved caring for her beautiful and expansive flower gardens. In Williamston, her gardens spanned an entire acre. Upon moving to Empire, Michigan, she was happy to downsize her gardens as she built her up-north community.

Rosie had many interests. First and foremost was her love and partnership with her husband, Mark. Married at 20, they were best friends for over 50 years. They shared a love for the arts, gin rummy, many pets, international travel, dinner parties, fishing, and laughter. Lunchtime between Mark and Rosie included their daily gin rummy games. Keeping score over decades, much to Mark's chagrin, Rosie won more often than not. Recently, Rosie and Mark celebrated their 50th anniversary in style with a "grand celebration." Among countless other things, Mark will miss her excellent critiques and admiration of the arts.

Rosie was admired for skills in the kitchen and the warmth she brought as a hostess. Her recipes can be found in all of her friends' recipe boxes. She also loved reading. Finding a book club wherever she lived, she often was a member of two at a time. She loved reading, but loved the friendships which ensued even more.

Always by her side, her dear friend and canine companion, Keshi, is already missing morning walks with Rosie.

Rosie leaves behind her siblings Loretta McPhee, Anne Cummins, Larry Kain and Joe (Jeanne) Kain; a plethora of nieces and nephews, grand-nieces/nephews, her sister-in-law and close friend Kyle (Dan) Gulick and special friends Sue Holmes, Mary Porter, Sarah Porter, Jessica Kovan and Norma Schutzki.

We are all better people for having known Rosie.

Donations may be made in Rosie's name to Hospice of Michigan or The American Watercolor Society, The National Watercolor Society or The Transparent Watercolor Society of America.

Memories and condolences may also be shared on Rosie's tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com