Obituary for Rosemary A. Mennen Rosemary A. Mennen January 27, 1931-July 10, 2018 Rosemary A. Mennen, 87, of Long Beach, IN, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, while at her home. Rosemary is survived by her 3 daughters: Deborah (AZ and MX), Monica Rebecca (CA), and Michelle (IN), and two grandchildren, Blake and Alicia. Rosemary was born January 27, 1931 in Benton Harbor, MI to Thomas and Rose Alti.
She was the youngest child, with two brothers, Anthony (Dorothy) and Joseph (Margaret) Alti, and two sisters, Mary (Raymond) Lewis and Margaret (Walter) Payne, all of whom precede her in death. She adored being “Aunt Dolly” to her many nieces and nephews. Rosemary married her beloved Frederick C. Mennen on April 27, 1950, and she was proud of the family and 41 years special years they shared together before his passing.
They first lived in La Porte, IN, where she enthusiastically supported Fred’s work, including the eventual creation and early manufacturing of Jiffy Pop Popcorn. Later, she would fondly recall hauling 50 lb. bags of popcorn kernels and knowing how to repair all of the machinery.
In 1960, they moved to Long Beach, IN with their first daughter, Deborah. While raising her and two additional daughters, Monica Rebecca and Michelle, Rosemary lovingly applied her tireless and generous spirit and considerable creative talents to both home and community. She was a dedicated and innovative member and President of both the Long Beach School PTA and La Lumiere School Parents Association.
Rosemary also enjoyed her involvement as a Deaconess and member of the Amy Arndt Circle at First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City, where among other things, she assisted in the early days of the Saturday Soup Kitchen. At home, Rosemary’s vibrant and nurturing soul was expressed in joy of life and motherhood. She enjoyed the Italian proclamation, “Abbondanza!
,” and, indeed, built an environment filled with an abundance of love, creativity and joyful humor to share with all. She loved gardening and working with all plants and flowers. She was a fabulous cook, and also loved to bake and intricately decorate birthday cakes and Christmas cookies by the hundreds.
In fact, her love of Christmas was epic! She loved to collect ornaments and used her artistic flare to decorate her legendary Christmas trees, one of which was even featured in the newspaper. She was happiest sharing homemade meals, traditions and celebrations with friends and family, especially with her two beloved grandchildren, Blake and Alicia.
Rosemary loved God and life, and always had an enthusiasm to tackle any challenge that made those in her presence feel anything could be possible. She sincerely worked to leave a positive impact wherever she went, and her strength of spirit and sense of humor were magnetic. She loved to listen to music, share a good laugh, watch the lake and the birds, cuddle any baby within her sight, and feed anyone who came through her door.
She met the world each day with a kind, open and generous heart. It was a blessing to share life with her. Special thanks to Martha, Jeny, Kim P, Tammy, Crystal, Alice, Lisa, and Kim B., as well as all of the other nurturing helpers and caregivers who lovingly contributed to her care and well-being over the years.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave. , La Porte, Indiana. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 17, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City, 121 W. Ninth Street, Michigan City, Indiana 46360.
A life celebration will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Ericka Parkinson-Kilbourne officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the The Frederick C. Mennen Memorial Scholarship (for Chemistry majors) Purdue Foundation 403 West Wood StreetWest Lafayette, IN 47907-2007 or purdue.
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