Rosemary Kurkjian

Independent, hardworking, and articulate, Rosemary Kurkjian lived life to the fullest each day while holding her loved ones near. She was always busy with something, and she wholeheartedly applied herself to whatever task was at hand. Rosemary was a devoted wife and mother whose family tree blossomed to include numerous branches of loved ones who made her so very proud. She was devoted to her faith, and it was her faith that was the compass she used to direct her path. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Rosemary was a blessing in the lives of her family and friends.

The decade that is often remembered as the Roaring Twenties was a vibrant time filled with great prosperity. Radios and affordable cars were signs of the time, and it was during this time that Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth stirred the nation’s love for baseball, forever making it America’s favorite pastime. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1927 that was filled with great anticipation for a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was finally over on March 1, 1927, when the baby girl they named Rosemary Elizabeth made her arrival. She was one of two girls born to her parents, Harry and Olivette “Betty” (Allard) Robinson, and she was raised in the family home on Elliot Street alongside her sister, Mary Margaret.

For the most part Rosemary experienced an upbringing that was fairly common for the youth of her generation. Her father worked for the Grand Rapids Press while her mother was a busy wife, mother, and homemaker. Rosemary was very close to her sister despite a seven year age difference between them. As a family the Robinsons spent holidays together. In fact, Thanksgiving usually found them taking in a Lions game followed by a fun-filled dinner at Romeo. Summer vacations were most often spent at Brooks Lake. As a student Rosemary attended Burton Jr. High School and later went on to Mt. Mercy High School. Despite being an all girls’ high school they did hold dances with both boys and girls, which was a very big deal for all the girls. Rosemary and her family attended St. Francis Xavier Church where she established her strong faith that would be her lifelong companion. To keep busy she enjoyed bowling, writing, and various crafts.

Life was forever changed for Rosemary when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Gregory Kurkjian, and after dating for a time they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to share their lives together Rosemary and Greg were united in marriage on June 25, 1960, at St. Francis Xavier Church. Together they were blessed with the births of six sons including John, Gary, Glenn, Gerald, Gerard, and Greg. Because Greg worked hard to support their family as a social worker for the State of Michigan, Rosemary was able to devote much time and attention to caring for her home and family.

In addition to the work in her home, Rosemary devoted her time and attention to other places and organizations as well. She spent several years working as an administrative secretary for Grand Rapids Public Schools. As someone who was very driven, she liked to have her hand in just about everything. Rosemary would be a part of nearly every board or committee - at least as long as she could be in charge! A longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Church, she served on their altar society. In addition, she was a member of the American Legion Post #258 Auxiliary as well as president of the PTA.

With her leisure time Rosemary enjoyed relaxing and having fun, too. For several years they spent summers at a cottage, and they also spent time in Florida. During their retirement years Rosemary and her husband were able to travel to Florida to see her sister and brother more frequently. A lifelong Michigan resident, she enjoyed going to Lions and Tigers games, and for as long as she was able Rosemary was an avid bowler.

Although she was deeply saddened with Gregory’s death in 1995, she was blessed to be able to remain on her own in her home for the rest of her life’s journey with superb care from her caregivers.

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Rosemary Kurkjian brought such happiness to the world around her. She was never one to focus on what she had, rather, her focus was on how she could give to others. Whether she was caring for her family, working outside of the home, or serving within her community, Rosemary worked hard in everything she did. She will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of all who knew her.

KURKJIAN – Mrs. Rosemary E. Kurkjian aged 87, of Grand Rapids, passed away on July 16, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Gregory; sons, John, Gary, Glenn, and Gerald; parents, Harry and Olivette Robinson; and sister, Mary Margaret (George) Retelle. Rosemary is survived by her sons, Gerard (Sheryl) Kurkjian and Greg Kurkjian; grandchildren, Troy, Jory (Jessica), Chelsea, Laurel, Audra, and Noah Kurkjian; and several nieces and nephews. Rosemary worked as an Administrative Secretary for Grand Rapids Public School for many years. She was an avid bowler and active in the American Legion #258 Auxiliary and St. Francis Xavier Altar Society. A special thank you to her caregivers for the love and compassion shown to her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at St. Francis Xavier Church, 250 Brown St. SE. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Monday from 6-8 PM, with a Rosary at 8 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to American Diabetes Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read her lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook.