Rose Fosdick

One of the things for which Rosemond “Rose” Fosdick will be remembered for most was her eternal love for her family. She had a vibrant faith that guided her throughout her life’s journey, her life a reflection of the beliefs that were engraved upon her heart. Rose could find joy in the simple things such as the natural beauty in northern Michigan, a gospel song that spoke to her heart, or a trip shared with her sisters. She liked nothing more than to put her excellent cooking and baking skills to good use by preparing mouth-watering treats for those she treasured most. Rose was a strong yet tender woman who mastered one of the great truths in life – that true joy comes when one is content in whatever circumstances life brings.

The year 1941 is most often associated as the year in which America entered WWII, but it was also a year of other significant events as well. It was in 1941 that Citizen Kane reached new heights in technological and cinematic accomplishments, Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act, and Frank Sinatra burst onto the music scene. This was a year to remember in the family of Hubert and Betty (Tuttle) Jaragosky as they welcomed their daughter, Rosemond Jean, on May 4th. Rose, as she was most commonly known, was born in Holland, Michigan, as the oldest of four girls in her family, which included younger sisters Bonita, Mary, and Sue. During her formative years, Rose moved with her family to Grand Rapids, and Rose attended Catholic Central.

Shortly after Rose graduated from high school, the Jaragosky family moved from Grand Rapids to Fennville where they opened a small restaurant. Rose worked as a waitress there, which would set the stage for her introduction to a young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Charles "Bud" Fosdick, and he frequently came in to eat at the restaurant. Although he was quite shy, he finally mustered up enough courage to ask Rose out for a date, and she was happy to oblige. After dating for about one year, the couple exchanged their vows on November 17, 1962, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Douglas. The newlyweds got into his parents car and went to Wisconsin for a short weekend getaway. The only problem was they left his parents without the means to go anywhere!

Anxious to begin their lives together as husband and wife, the couple settled in Fennville. There, they were blessed with two wonderful children, Tracey in 1964 and Dan in 1965. After four years in Fennville, the couple moved to Saugatuck where Rose worked as a secretary for the Michigan State Police from 1979 through 1997. In addition to her work outside the home, Rose immersed herself into caring for her family. She was a whiz in the kitchen as a gifted cook and baker, too. Rose frequently had “soup night” when she would make three or four different soups – her cheeseburger soup was always a hit. Rose loved the holidays as they always gave her a reason to make countless sweet treats for her family. Everyone always especially loved her Christmas cookies and fudge. Rose continued to cook and bake throughout her life, and she even made her famous hot pepperoni spread not long before her death.

Throughout her life, Rose enjoyed many things that made her such a unique woman. The most important cornerstone in her life was her faith. Rose attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and truly loved gospel music. She was partial to the music of the Gaithers whether she was just listening or watching them on television. Rose’s favorite song was “Get Away, Jordan” by Ernie Haase, although anything from the Gaithers was always a sure bet when getting a gift for Rose. She and her sisters went on “silly sisters trips” in memory of their mother around her birthday each year. All four sisters often went to various places in northern Michigan, although Mackinac Island was Rose’s favorite destination. She always said that she would love to live on the island for a year. She knitted, crocheted, and was quite musically inclined as she played the piano, guitar, and accordion. Rose loved playing games of all kinds, as long as it wasn’t monopoly.

Later in life, Rose continued to embrace each day she was given, which included times filled with both joy and sadness. After retiring from the State Police, she went to work part-time as a cashier at Meijer. Rose was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Bud in 2005, which left her alone for the first time in more than 40 years. She drew strength from both her faith and her family during the days that followed his death. As Rose was plagued with health challenges in more recent months, she fought with all her strength until the very end. It was just this past December that Rose and her sister Mary went to see the Oak Ridge Boys – a true highlight for Rose.

Rose Fosdick was a remarkable woman who was treasured by all who knew her. She was gracious and giving, often setting aside her own needs in order to give preference to the needs of others. Rose was always happy, even when the storms of life blanketed her days, and many of her happiest times were spent with the family she adored. Rose was like another mom to her grandchildren, Ashley and Brandon. She was also close to Jason and Melissa too. Rose always made it a point to attend school plays, sporting events, and anything else that showed her support for her family. In fact, she and her daughter Tracey helped move Ashley during move in day her freshman year of college. She also had a close bond with her nephews and nieces. Rose was always there to lend a helping hand and support to them. This kind of love and support even extended to their children also. Just like her own grandchildren, she went to many sporting events, birthday parties, and school plays. In a way we were all grandmas’ "kids". She was a true gift given to those around her who will be dearly missed.

Rosemond (Rose) Fosdick of Holland died on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Holland Hospital. Rose’s family includes her children, Tracey Barber of Holland and Daniel (Kristi) Fosdick of Zeeland; 4 grandchildren, Ashley, Jason, Melissa, and Brandon; sisters, Bonita (Arlon) Hutchison of Holland, Mary Barnhill of Holland, and Sue (Robert) Bowers of Munising; in-laws, Barb (Leo) Birkholz of Fennville, Carole Shears of Fennville, and David (Sue) Fosdick of Fennville; nephews, nieces, and cousins. Rose was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 2005. No services are scheduled. Visit with Rose’s family and friends from 4-6 p.m. Monday at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Downtown Chapel- Holland, MI, 29 East 9th Street. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society