On the afternoon of May 7, 2015, Rosemary Adele Graveley passed away peacefully at her home. She was 86 years old.
Class is a very hard thing to define, but once you see it, you never forget it. If you were among the very fortunate to have spent time with Rosemary, you will understand that she was class and grace personified.
Rosemary was born on Sunday, December 16, 1928, in San Francisco, CA to Mary Alice and Arthur K. Serumgard. Her family, which included her older sister, Dorothy, moved to Big Sandy, MT, where her father had been granted a dry land wheat farm. It was during the Great Depression. Their well went dry, the cow dried up, and the two children developed rickets. Her father decided that he was not cut out to be a farmer, so their family moved to Helena, MT, where Art began his long career with the Montana Department of Transportation as a highway engineer.
Rosemary attended Broadwater and Hawthorne schools, and graduated from Helena High School in 1946. She attended the University of Montana, where she was a flag twirler and joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Rosemary was a lifelong Grizzly fan! She was a journalism major who intended “to write the Great American novel.” Instead, she said, she lived it.
She returned to Helena and married John Dorrance (Jack) Graveley in 1947 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Helena. She filled their home with books, music, faith, sports and children. She and Jack had five children who brought home their many friends. She was a room mother for her children’s classes at Central School, and served on the Central School Parent Council for many years. She supported her children’s many activities. She was on the Advisory Board for the Order of Rainbow for Girls for many years, and was awarded the Grand Cross of Color for her service.
Rosemary began working for Mountain Bell Telephone Company while still in high school. She also worked for the Highway Patrol and the Montana Department of Transportation (Core Drill). She became the first female office manager for the DOT Materials Bureau, retiring in 1993.
Rosemary lived a life of service and believed in giving back to her community. Her most recent joy was her initiation into Chapter CF, Montana PEO, which supports educational opportunities for women. She was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Cathedral, serving on St. Anne’s Guild and singing in the choir. She was a 50 year plus member of Miriam Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She was proud of her membership in the Order of Pythian Sisters, serving as Grand Chief of the State of Montana. Rosemary served on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Mountain Credit Union for13 years, and was elected as the Chair of the Board in 1988. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sapphira Temple #79, Daughters of the Nile. Rosemary thoroughly enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the front desk of St. Peter’s Hospital and for the Montana Historical Society.
She enjoyed social activities with her Red Hat friends as well as attending the dinners and lectures of the Last Chance Gulch Corral History Dinner Club. Besides rooting for the Grizzlies, Rosemary also cheered on the Carroll College Fighting Saints, the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seahawks. Rosemary was noted for her love of the color turquoise and possessed a remarkable sense of sparkle and style. Her quick wit, delightful sense of humor and generous spirit brought her many lifelong friendships. Rosemary made even ordinary days seem special.
Rosemary is survived by her son, John Scot Graveley (Angela); daughters: Carol Ann Dagenais (Terry), Barbara Jane Mackey (Lanny), and Sara “Margie” Graveley (Knigge); her brother, Siver Serumgard (Riitta) ; grandchildren: Dorrance Davis, Julie Wherry, Liam Hughes, Samantha Hughes, Kaila Knigge, Austin Graveley, Nolan Graveley, Duncan Graveley, Ashlee Gathagan, Britney Baker and Caylie Baker; 12 great-grandchildren; her very special daughter-in-spirit, Susan McClenning; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, John D. Graveley; her daughter, Jeanne Sue McElroy; her sister, Dorothy Ann Hartnett; and her brother, Arthur K. Serumgard, Jr.
Rosemary’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hospice of St. Peter’s and Dr. Jessica Bailey, for their tender care.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday August 18, 2015 at St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave, Helena. A graveside service will immediately follow the memorial service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow the graveside service at Jorgenson Restaurant, 1714 11th Ave, Helena. As we remember Rosemary’s great love for children, the family suggests memorials to any charity that benefits young people, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rosemary.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Tuesday August 18, 2015
St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral
511 North Park Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Jorgenson's Resturant
1714 11th Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Tuesday August 18, 2015
St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral
511 North Park Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Jorgenson's Resturant
1714 11th Ave
Helena , Montana 59601
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Rhonda Robertson (Strainer) says
Dear Margie (Sarah) and Family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. I have very fond memories of sleep-overs at your house on 6th Avenue. Drive past it every day and think of you every day! Worked with Rosemary many years later at DOT ( 1988 / she was my Supervisor) and she was the same kind, sweet, funny, happy person that I remembered from when I first met her at 8 years old. I know she has had some health issues the last few years. I did go and visit her while she was rehabilitating from hip surgery a couple of years ago at the Cooney Home. She looked good, and was in good spirits. However, when I commented to her how good she looked she said, “Oh well, I would look a whole lot better if I had my false eyelashes on”…..and I thought to myself…. same old Rosemary I remember! Hoping that all those wonderful memories you hold so close to your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Rhonda
Stephanie Serumgard says
We are all so sad to hear about Aunt Rosemary. Vincent let us know this morning. She was always so good to us and i know she and my Dad were very much alike with their wit and wicked sense of humor. She was always so much fun to be around. We are so sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you and send our love.
Stephanie, Linda and Rebecca
David HARTNETT says
I was married to Rosemary’s beautiful Sister ,Dorothy,’ for around 14 years. I had a beautiful Married life. I pray that Rosemary will join Dorothy in the great heaven and I pray for Rosemary each day that she will be greeted by Our Lord Jesus , Mary the Mother of Our Lord and our Mother and greeted by God the Father. Give me a call if I can help at any time . David Hartnett 406-214-5007
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Sara “Margie” – Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so glad you were able to come spend time with her as that is the most precious of all. Remember all the good and smile. Sending you lots of hugs and know that I am here is you need anything at all. May your days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Pat Downs says
Rosemary and Dorothy were friends of mine since 1948 when we worked together as telephone operators in Helena. I remember when Rosemary got married and had her first baby, the baby was beautiful, had to be as we all know how pretty Rosemary was. Over the years friends lose track of one another, and the last time I saw her, we were at Martha Travis’ s funeral, had a good visit. I am sorry for all of her family and close friends that will miss her terribly.
Julie Wherry says
Thank You all for such kind words. I’m Rosemary’s 2nd granddaughter, Jeanne Graveley McElroy’s daughter. I have been so fortunate to have had (Grammy) in my life threw out my growing and adult years. I still remember climbing in her huge bed full of pillows and blankets all cuddled up with her to watch Johnny Carson. I remember her sweet laugh. She never missed a birthday, my wedding or visiting my 3 babies. Rosemary will always be in my heart along with my grandpa, mom, and Grandma Nancy. I wish I could be there for the funeral. My heart will. Lots of love xoxo
Brenda Casey says
what a classy lady Rosemary was. Always dressed in her latest Alfred Dunner to the t.. Matching shoes, Jewlery,and purse. not to mention the matching bling nails and her make up was always just so. She had spirit about her that you could not help but love her. I will miss her greatly. I learned several lessons from her, my favorite being “sometimes you just have to go to shut up school, and I hate it”. Love you forever Rosemary.
flossie shaw says
Gravely family
Sorry for your loss and may all your wonderful memories of an outstanding matriarch carry you through your sorrow.
Leslie smith says
To all the gravelie family it has been years since I have seen any of you but we had such good times growing up especially you Margie know I am thinking of you your family was such a big part of my life throwing all the kids in the car for rides for rides to York bar (never fly now) love and fond memories leslie