In Memory Of ...

Rosemary M. Smith

March 21, 1942 - January 25, 2012

Service:

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

Visitation:

A visitation for Rosemary will be held on Monday, January 30^th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, 3720 39th Avenue.

Memorial:

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Somers United Church of Christ, 9918 12^th St., Kenosha, WI 53144, would be appreciated.

Obituary:

Known for a lifetime of creating joy and memories for thousands of children and their families, Rosemary M. Smith, "The Pumpkin Lady," age 69, died on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida.

Born in Kenosha, WI, on March 21, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Martha (Szczepanski) Adasiewicz. Rosemary graduated from Bradford High School in 1960 and attended college in Florida.

While waitressing at Oage Thomsen's, she met and then married Gerald Smith on March 21, 1971, at Somers United Church of Christ. Together, they built a legacy with their children and their business.

While raising five children, Rosemary, with her husband, Jerry, created, owned and operated Jerry Smith Produce & Country Store - Home of the Pumpkin Farm. For over 40 years, Rosemary created a magical wonderland of childhood and family memories through her unique, hand-painted pumpkin characters and displays. She will be remembered by her faithful customers, whom she considered "family," and for delighting generations of children who grew up going to the Pumpkin Farm.

The cornerstone of Rosemary's life was her family. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren - they were the sunshine of her life. To Rosemary, "family" was a relative term. She was a lover of people, opening her heart and home to all. If you were not part of the Smith family, she quickly adopted you into it.

She was passionate about giving to others and was known for her endless generosity in helping those in need, whether individuals or the many charities and schools in the community. She could walk into any room and light it up with her vivacious smile and laughter. Shopping was her favorite pastime, and she was known as the only farmer with a "Nieman-Marcus" license plate! Although always one to be "in style," shoulder pads never went out of style for her. Rosemary was a great, but messy cook, with her spaghetti and meatballs in highest demand. Rosemary and Jerry enjoyed fine dining, traveling, watching Jeopardy, and spending their winters in Sarasota. She didn't believe in saying "goodbye" and instead would say, "So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen..."

Rosemary will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her loving family; husband of 41 years, Jerry Smith; five children: Jean (Martin) Lacock, Cindy (Ron) Lewis, Debra (Craig) Smith-Andersen, Christine (Brian) Sullivan and Joe (Amy) Smith; her grandchildren, Sara, Nathan, Samantha, Chelsey, Meghan, Jared, Julia, Emma, Jack, Madie, Jenna, James, Justin, Tyler, Brenna, Lauren and Drew; her great grandchildren, Wyatt and Caroline; her family of her heart, Greg and Dianne Jones (Katie, Ryan, Alyssa & Ashley); her sister, Clarice (Charles) King; sisters-in-law, Arlene (Jim) Skendziel, Bette Owsichek, Debbie Van Matre and Joanne Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, MargaretAnn Smith Jones and her brother-in-law, Jim Owsichek.

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Condolences

Posted on: February 08, 2012 | By: Tom Thomey

I was saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Although I cannot say I knew her well, I do know that she and your Dad raised some amazing children. My thoughts are prayers are with you. Tom

Posted on: February 06, 2012 | By: Ashley Elrod Weiss

The weekends in October that I spent working in the warehouse at the "Punkin Farm" are among my fondest memories. I loved lunch breaks in the cozy store kitchen and the whirlwind of the entire place that Rosemary always kept up with - or one step ahead of. She was truly unique and I will always remember her. My love and prayers to all of the Smith family.

Posted on: February 02, 2012 | By: Tina DeCesaro

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I was so saddened by the news. I think she may be in heaven baking sugar cookies for her grand daughter that was taken so soon.

Posted on: February 01, 2012 | By: Rosie Johnston

I was so saddened by the news, my heart and prayers go out to you. I first met Rosemary @ Washington Manor, where as a nurse I cared for Alex Montgomery. Rosemary and I would talk daiy. My kids, and grandkids made many trips to the Pumpkin farm each season. I will miss her great smile, her laugh,and conversations. God Bless you all.

Posted on: January 31, 2012 | By: John & JoAnn Principe

Dear Jerry & Family, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Rosemary's passing. If the measure of a life well loved - lived is through the lives they touched and the sorrow they leave behind. If the outpouring of sympathy on your loss is any indication, then you can proudly and confidently say that Rosemary indeed was a life well loved-lived. Our prayer is you find peace and comfort in knowing that her loss is felt by all who knew and loved her. Rosemary's love and kindness will be sadly missed by all.

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Cheryl Roohr

Chris: My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mother. May your many happy memories help you during this most difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted on: January 31, 2012 | By: Stephanie Schroeder

Dear Smith Family & Extended Family, I’m so sorry to hear about Rosemary. I remember working for her at the Pumpkin Farm as a teenager. She was indeed very stylish -- and warm and welcoming as well. My thoughts are with you all today.

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Tami Hesthaven (Woodstock)

Chris, I'm very sorry to hear about your mom. I know it's difficult now but time does heal the sadness you're feeling. You'll remember the good times you spent together and will treasure those memories now more than ever!

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Dan & Linda Piencikowski

Dear Jerry and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Rosemary's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Dawn Jones

Chris, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this tyring time.

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Steve Frew

Chris: I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. From reading about here, it is clear where you got your ability with people. You are in my prayers,

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Sharon Rizzo

Dear Jerry and family, The news of Rosemary's death came as a shock. There isn't much one can say to ease your sense of loss, but I want you to know she will live on in my memory as one of the kindest, warmest, people I had the privilege of knowing.Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Sharon Rizzo

Posted on: January 29, 2012 | By: Chris,Becky and Hayley Fapso

Our thought and prayers to the Smith family. Growing up in Kenosha....I remember going to Jerry Smiths...field trips from Jefferson as a little kid to present day with our daughter. Our daughter always liked the pumpkin displays and loved to feed the animals ...we would come out for veggies and always had to feed the little goats. Rosemary was ALWAYS so nice even when the animals were not out Yet! See ya soon though she would say. And we would return. Our love for the memories....Thank You! Chris,Becky and Hayley Fapso

Posted on: January 30, 2012 | By: Holli Thoren

Jean (& family), I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted on: January 29, 2012 | By: Rick & Francine Pinard

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerry and your family. I will never forget the beautiful picture of my daughter and I on her wedding day she had "Plak" for us. We will treasure it forever. Yours Canadian friends :)

Posted on: January 29, 2012 | By: The Lahey Family

Jerry and family, our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our family has always admired and appreciated yours. I know you all will be strong.

Posted on: January 29, 2012 | By: Jane(Lessman) DeZee

So sorry to hear of the passing of Rosemary. I have SO MANY MEMORIES!!!! My mother being a "Country Girl". from northwestern WI., she needed the freshest vegetables to can.Our family would drive out to the farm and be greeted by Rosemary's and her kind smile. We always had wonderful conversations.I remember in autumn going to the "COUNTRY STORE" and Rosemary wearing oven mitts and pulling a batch of fresh baked sugar cookies from the stores oven. WOW... the fresh country air,the fresh harvest of food,and the cookies what memories. I remember Mr.& Mrs. being at the hardware store on 52nd Street and sitting on hay bales eating hotdogs from the stores hotdog wagon. We feed our children baby food among the pumpkin patch sitting on bales of hay. What memories I have growing up visiting the pumpkin farm and also my childrens memories. Rosemary and I would have great talks at the fundraisers. Rosemary THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES. Jane

Posted on: January 28, 2012 | By: Carole Rich

Gerry, Jean, Christine, Debbie, Cindy and Joey, my deepest sympathy to all of you and your families. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. The world will be a lonelier place without our Rosebud.....God Bless!!!

Posted on: January 28, 2012 | By: Carl and Jane Andersen

I whispered a prayer or two today that God would stand by your side - loving, protecting and guiding all of you as you go though this difficult time. In sympathy - Carl & Jane Andersen

Posted on: January 28, 2012 | By: Diane (Davis) Hebert

My sympathy goes out to the Smith family. I am sure you have ALOT of great memories! I have them too with all the Smith Families!

Posted on: January 28, 2012 | By: Jill Korowin

Jerry and family, I am so sorry to hear about Rosemary's death. She was much too young and still had more to give in life. She will be sadly missed at the pumpkin farm and in the community. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that I will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Jill

Posted on: January 28, 2012 | By: Carol and Donald Camosy

My memories are fond. We go back to the seventh grade with a lot of laughs along the way. You will be sadly missed by your family and family of friends.

Posted on: January 27, 2012 | By: Linda Hannes

Dear Jean and Family, I'm sorry to hear about your Mother. Even after all these years, I can still see her smiling face when I would bring my children to enjoy the "Pumpkin Farm." May your love for her and the memories you shared help you through the difficult days. Your family and friends will be the source of support you need. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Posted on: January 28, 2012 | By: Douglas & Aggie Arnold

Joe, Amy, Lauren & Drew, Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mom and grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Douglas, Aggie, Adam & Sam