Rosalie Marie Hathaway's Obituary
Big Rapids - Rosalie Marie Hathaway, 90, of Big Rapids passed away Sunday, November 24, 2013, at Altercare Nursing Center in Big Rapids. She was born March 14, 1923, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Baptiste and Selma (Buser) Bechaz, and lived in the area her entire life. In 1947, she married Charles Lee Hathaway, and soon began their family of six children. After her children were grown, Rosie earned her diploma from Big Rapids High School with her family in attendance to watch her graduate. She then earned her Associates Degree in Dietetic Service from Auburn University. For many years, Rosie worked as a Dietary Supervisor for Greenridge Nursing Center. Following her retirement, Rosie continued to babysit many children in the community. She was a longtime member of the United Church of Big Rapids, and a Blue Star Mother. She also volunteered her time to cook meals at the Third Avenue United Methodist Church, was formerly a Girl Scout and Brownie Leader, and loved to play bingo. Her husband Charles preceded Rosie in death in 1995. Surviving are six children, Linda (Bob) Ferguson of Phoenix, AZ, Charles "Chuck" Hathaway of Las Vegas, NV, Irene (Marvin) Bowman of Big Rapids, Mary (Dr. John) Marcin of Melbourne, FL, Dr. William (Viva) Hathaway of Virginia Beach, VA, and Lori Hathaway (Dr. Nick Pappas) of Big Rapids; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; her sister Margie Bulgarella of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Rosie was preceded in death by her brothers, twins George and Aldo, Oswald, and Joseph Bechaz, and sisters Ida Graboskey, Inez Straub, Caroline Arndt Corrie, her twin Anna McHugh, and Elsie Guiliano. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 27, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. Jerena Keys officiating. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name for the United Church may be left in care of the funeral home, where Rosie's family will greet friends today (Tuesday) from 5-7 p.m., and prior to services on Wednesday.
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