Rosemarie A. Taylor

OBITUARY

ROSEMARIE ANTOINETTE TAYLOR

October 23, 1940 – May 26, 2023

On May 26th, 2023, Rosemarie Antoinette Taylor passed through the portal of this world and into the glory of the infinite in much the same manner she lived: with dignity and in peace. She now rests in the arms of her Lord and Savior whom she loved and knew so well and is certainly celebrating with loved ones who preceded her passing.

Born on November 23,1940 in Freeport, Illinois (where she spent the entirety of her life), Rosemarie - or Rose as she was better known - spent her early years filled with nurturing and love from her beautiful mother Sarah and her six brothers and sisters. At the age of twelve, Rose was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She was baptized on the same day and in the same water as her future husband, Oather Taylor, Jr. She graduated from Freeport High School where she began the proverbial storybook relationship with the love of her life, star athlete, Oather Taylor, Jr. They were married in 1961 and spent 62 inseparable years together. They subsequently had two sons, Oather III and Todd, as well as two grandchildren, Oather IV and Alina.

Her sons and her grandchildren provided her with pride and joy throughout her life and she often lauded their achievements to anyone who would listen, as any doting mother/grandmother would.

Rose was a woman of grace, elegance and eloquence. Naturally these attributes allowed her to live a life replete with accomplishments too numerous to mention. However, her 35 year tenure as Director of Senior Citizen Services for Stephenson County and three other surrounding counties, was a point of pride due to the fact that she was particularly integral in the formation and expansion of the program (which under the current leadership of her dear friend Diane Randecker still prospers today).

She was a voracious reader of the classics as well as the occasional trash novel, loved anything chocolate, was a devoted mother, a formidable leader and a steadfast/loyal friend to anyone deserving (in particular her sister-in-law Catherine and her best friend Diane).

She also was overwhelmingly affectionate, nurturing and caring. She loved to hug and was acknowledged by her sons to be the perfect mother, which she would say was a life well spent.

Rosemarie Antoinette Taylor was a truly exceptional woman. Her time on earth was blessed and an example to be followed. Rose was always an angel, but now it’s official…hopefully Heaven appreciates her as much as we did.

Rose leaves to cherish many loving memories: her husband Oather Sr., sons Oather III (Mirela), Todd (Ruth Marie); grandchildren Oather IV and Alina; two brothers Ralph (Jean), Alvin; sister Vickie

Rose was predeceased by her parents Abraham and Sarah, two brothers Abraham and Albert Lenoir, one sister Minnette Burks, and infant daughter Tia Lenoir Taylor.

She will be dearly missed by all who encountered her.