WATERTOWN, NY — Rosemary Burchett Parker, 79, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019, with her family by her side at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
Rosemary was born September 19, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of the late Vincent and Anna Burchett.
Predeceased by her husband Gene S. Parker, her mother and father, and her brother Jerome (Jerry) Burchett.
Rosemary graduated from Watertown High School in 1957. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1961 from Potsdam State University, where she was a member of the Zeta Gamma Sigma sorority. She completed graduate work at Oswego State University.
Rosemary was a 4th grade teacher at Sherman Elementary School in Watertown.
She paused her career to raise her six children. Later, she founded and ran the Preschool Learning Center at The Emmanuel Congregational Church.
Rosemary was an avid volunteer of many organizations such as Church Women United, National Organization for Women, LeLache League, The Red Cross and The American Cancer Society.
Rosemary enjoyed chocolate, playing board games, doing word puzzles, and spending time with her family. She was active with her church and passionate about including God in her daily life.
She is survived by her brother, John Burchett of Westfield, NJ, her six children, Selene Parker- Rowland (Stephen) of Brownville, Scott Parker (Sharon) of Watertown, Amy Parker of Watertown, Yvonne Brooks of Rochester, Cindy Spies (Edward) of Millis, MA and John Parker (Maria) of Deferiet, eleven grandchildren, Eric and Miah Rowland, Rachael and Jacob Parker, Robin Leah, Carter, Claire and Ellis Brooks, Parker, Elise, and Rio Spies and two great-grandchildren, Tinsley and Beckham Rowland.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Emmanuel Congregational Church, 119 S. Hamilton St., Watertown, NY on June 8, 2019 at 11 am. The family will be present at the church at 10 am for people to greet them before the service. Reception to follow at the church in Anderson Hall. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Emmanuel Congregational Church. https://www.emmanuelchurchucc.org/donate.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home Inc. Watertown, NY.
Online Condolences may be made at ClevelandFHInc.com.
