Obituary of Rosemary L. Wilson

Rosemary L. Wilson, 76, of Binghamton, died Tuesday evening, November 11, 2003, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Edna Wilson. She is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann Sweeney, Binghamton, Kathryn and John Dunbar, Barrington, Ill., Jacqueline and Edward Casey, Annapolis, Md., and Lillian Wilson, Daytona Beach, Fla.; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Margo Wilson, Worcester, Mass.; 18 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; a cousin, Sister Lillian Marie Farrell, I.H.M. Rosemary was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Binghamton. She retired as Commissioner of the Broome County Department of Social Services and was also retired Director of the Family and Childrens Society, and was the recipient of the Esther Couper Award. Her life was her family and her profession as a social worker. Rosemary enjoyed her friends and her family and entertained them royally. This poem was written at her retirement from the Broome County Department of Social Services, and captures the essence of her personality. One word will be her portrait - She cares. All the things she is and feels are in that word. She bleeds a little with each bruised child. Trembles in the cold when the fire goes out. She spreads her caring like a net To catch us all, Gives us strength to go on caring When we feel futile, utterly alone. She fights, she laughs, She meets each challenge with fierce intensity, And always echoing, Behind her words, Behind her eyes, A simple word - "I care." Funeral services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Rosemary may be made to the St. Patrick's Church Restoration Fund, 9 Leroy Street, Binghamton, N.Y. 13905, or to Family and Childrens Society, 257 Main Street, Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.