Rosemary (Bowe) Johnson, 92, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2020, with family, in Nebraska. Rosemary was born in Chatfield, Minn., on August 15, 1928 to William and Margaret (Dwyer) Bowe, who were both Irish immigrants. Rosemary grew up in a happy home with 11 children on the family farm and graduated from Harmony High School. Rosemary married Richard (Dick) A. Johnson on January 13, 1951. They farmed the Sunset Farm north of Harmony, Minn.
Rosemary worked at the Telephone Company, Morem’s Toggery and catered for weddings and funerals. In 1983, Dick and Rosemary moved to New Hope, Minn., as residential caretakers for Rockford, Inc. After Dick passed in 1996, Rosemary continued to work as a residential caretaker and in her free time, Rosie enjoyed reading, theater, and visiting her children and grandchildren. December 2018, a stroke led to retirement and a move to Harmony closer to family, spending the rest of her days at the Harmony Care Center where she enjoyed connecting with old friends. Rosemary kept her sharp mind, quick wit, and caring heart until her passing. She worked hard and always went above and beyond. Her perspective on life and the ability to make others feel better about themselves will be missed by all.
Rosemary is survived by daughter Patricia Hovey (Duane), son Richard Johnson (Mary), daughter Elizabeth Barnes (Doug), son William Johnson (Roxanne), daughter Kathryn Greenberg (Rollie), son-in-law Mike Stephano (Mary Jo), 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, sisters Loretta and Betty, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and friends.
Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband Richard, daughter Mary Jo, her parents, sisters Nellie and Pauline, and brothers Robert, James, William, Joe, Paul, and Francis Bowe.