Rosemary Needham Smith

Rosemary Needham Smith, 92, born January 21, 1931 a lifelong resident of Dunmore, passed away May 21, 2023 at Green Ridge Care Center. Her husband Joseph E. Smith died June 27, 2008.  They had celebrated 55 years of marriage

Rosemary was the daughter James A. Needham and Camilla A. Stull Needham. She was preceded in death by her sister, Camilla Needham Ryder and brother, James Needham.

Rosemary graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Scranton and Lackawanna business school. Prior to her retirement, Rosemary was a long-time employee of the Dunmore Elementary Center.   She loved her job; she worked there until she was 72 years old.  One of her favorite duties was registering the children for kindergarten each year.  She enjoyed seeing generations of children passing through the school.

Rosemary was a devout Catholic.  She enjoyed attending daily mass at Marywood’s chapel with her many dear friends.

Rosemary loved to travel and her sense of humor and enthusiasm made her a great traveling companion.  Above all else she loved spending time with her family.  She attended as many of her grand children’s activities as she could. She enjoyed reading, water aerobics, shopping and dining with friends. One of her favorite activities was blueberry picking with her grand kids.  She loved baking, judiciously using her berries throughout the year.

Rosemary is survived by her daughter in law Debra George Smith, Carbondale, daughter, Mary Ellen Tuma and husband Robin Bosworth of Shallotte, N.C.; daughter, Sharon and partner Leslie Salomon of Clarks Summit, Son Michael and wife Bonnie Kaczmarek of Dunmore, Grandchildren, Christy Smith and significant other Jack McHale, Audrey Smith, Eric Smith and wife Jillian, Courtney Smith and fiancé Andrew DeLeon, Kiersten Smith and significant other Brendan McDonald and Amira Tuma. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Danny December 3, 2003.  Her faith, her optimistic character and her lifelong resilience carried her through.

Rosemary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Green Ridge Care Center for the wonderful care she received there.  We appreciate their genuine concern and kindness towards Rosemary and our family.

The funeral will be Friday with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Interment will be private in the Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.

Family and friends may pay their respects at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of mass.

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