Rosemary Hosey

Rosemary Orrson Hosey, 66, Dallas, PA passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 at her residence. Raised in Forty-Fort, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Adele Ernst Orrson. She was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and of College Misericordia. She later earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Scranton.

Rosemary had a rebellious spirit and was a true champion of the underdog.  In her work of over 20 years as a licensed Occupational Therapist and the OT Department Director at Clarks Summit State Hospital she advocated for the rights and dignity of those committed to mental health treatment.  Her personal mission was to prepare her patients to develop the skills and confidence to take their place in the larger community.  She led her patients whom she lovingly referred to as the “Dream Team” on various adventures.  Some of her personal favorites were preparing holiday meals, performing plays, registering to vote, walking dogs at the SPCA, and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. While at CSSH she trained student interns from several universities. After retiring from CSSH she was a fieldwork supervisor for Misericordia University.

Rosemary took tremendous pride in the home she built piece by piece. She was a self-taught woodworker and stone mason and has been credited by her loved ones for single handedly starting the international DIY craze.  Her craftswoman journey began modestly making wooden toys for her children.  This hobby quickly evolved into a passionate vocation selling her wares at local and regional craft shows.  Some of her notable handmade triumphs include a gorgeous outdoor fireplace and oven, a beautiful stone staircase running through the center of her perennial garden, just about any piece of furniture she saw in a magazine and ever wanted recreated by hand, not to mention a fully outfitted and elaborately detailed play house that was finished in time for her children to register to vote.  Rose also enjoyed sewing and was a 4- H Sewing Club leader.  She could make anything from a terrifying Halloween costume to a bohemian prom dress.   Rose also ran the 4-H Ski Club and could be found on almost every Friday night of winter carving her way across the immediate trails of Montage Mountain with her sisters Chris and Marie.

Rose was the Arts and Crafts director at 4- H Camp Shehaqua where she not only silkscreened t-shirts and made birdhouses, but where she comforted countless homesick campers, protected kids from bear attacks and fearlessly led droves of creek-stompers,  zip liners and counselor hunters. More recently, Rose was an avid grandchild spoiler and relentless dog un-trainer.

Above all things, Rosemary built a home full of love and acceptance that was always bustling with activity and the sound of children laughing.  She got great joy out of raising her “little liberal army in the woods.”  She taught her children to always leave a chair open at their table; including whomever God might send to their door at any time of day or night.  Rose taught her children to always do what was right, not just what was easy and to hold oneself and one’s country to the highest ethical standard.  Being a bona fide feminist, Rose taught her daughters to be fierce, strong, and independent self-starters and she taught her sons to respect and treasure those characteristics in the partners they chose. Lastly, Rose was not a hopeless romantic but a hopeful one.  So to all the torchbearers out there, may you all shine on like the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Rosemary is survived by her husband of 46 years Robert I.J. Hosey at home. Daughters, Maria Hosey (Kevin Bransford), Dallas, Robyn Athearn (Simon), West Tisbury, MA, Sons, Ignatius Joseph Hosey (Melissa), Swoyersville, Paul Hosey, Dallas, and Max Hosey (Jessica), Glenside, PA. 11 Grandchildren. Sisters, Marie Gill (Jack), Christine Orrson, Carol Romano (Joseph), and Lisa Loper (Scott). Brother, Paul Orrson (MaryBeth). Numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, November  24, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas, PA with The Rev. Daniel Toomey, Pastor, Gate of Heaven Church, officiating. Friends may call day from 9:30 until time of service.

The family wishes to thank the Dr. Saidman and the staff and nurses at Medical Oncology Associates and the nurses of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their compassionate care.  In lieu of flowers please donate to MOA Prescription Assistance Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas.