Rosemary Reider DeSantis, 94, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021. She was born and went to school in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania. Her first job was in a local soda fountain during WWII, then as an office secretary, and subsequently she worked in the restaurant and hospitality industries having moved to Erie following her marriage in 1947 until her retirement. She moved to West Palm Beach, FL following the death of her husband, and enjoyed caring for her grandchildren there. She later remarried and moved to Waterford, Pennsylvania, and loved walking in the woods behind their home.
Rosemary is survived by her two daughters and their families, and by her step-families, a daughter and two sons, and their spouses and her grandchildren. Her youngest daughter, Constance M. Hillman, R.N. and husband, Bill, a Navy veteran, reside in West Palm Beach, FL with her grandchildren, Heather, and William (Billy), William’s wife, Amanda and Rosemary’s beloved great granddaughter, Alexa. Daughter Victoria A. Reider, Esq. and husband, Judge Victor P. Stabile of the Pennsylvania Superior Court reside in Carlisle, PA, and Rosemary’s granddaughters, Christina R. Stabile and fiancé, Dylan DiNoto of Danville, VA, and Alexandra M. Stabile of Brooklyn, NY. She is also survived by Mary Ellen Hemme, her step-daughter and her son, along with step-sons David DeSantis and his sons, all of Pennsylvania, and Jimmy DeSantis of Arizona. Additionally, she is survived by her special niece, Anne and husband, Andy Neubert, along with numerous and loved Valentine nieces, nephews, spouses and their children, and many dear friends in Erie, Waterford and St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, including her ladies card club, Erie Manor friends and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
Her two wonderful husbands of the Greatest Generation predeceased her; Norman A. Reider of Erie, a Pearl Harbor survivor, Army reservist, and manager for Acme Markets, and James L. DeSantis, a WWII Army veteran, and well known contractor and tile-fitter in Waterford, PA. Rosemary was the third daughter of the late Al and Christina (Wolfel) Werner.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Jane Werner, MaryAnn Valentine and husband, Tino, and Ruth Werner, along with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents in St. Mary’s and Richmond, VA.
Rosemary’s family would like to extent their thanks for the professionalism, care, kindness and invaluable aid provided by the nurses, caregivers, social workers, staff and managers at Sarah A. Reed Senior Living. Their compassion and assistance made a tremendous difference in Rosemary’s last years at the residence. Memorial contributions in Rosemary’s name may be made to Sarah A. Reed Senior Living, 227 West 22nd Street, Erie, PA 16502. (814) 878-2600.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am until noon on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, PA 16441, followed by a memorial mass at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 2801 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16505 with Fr. John Detisch presiding, and a brief interlude at Calvary Cemetery on West 8th Street in Erie. While there will be no viewing, family and friends are welcome to socialize at the funeral home, attend mass, and send a condolence at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
Vicki & Family,
My heart felt condolences & prayers to you and your family in the loss of your mother. I remember how she always made me feel so welcomed into her home.. She was a wonderful woman..
Love always,
Julie
I grew up in the Manor Subdivision on Colony Dr. My mother, Mary Eisert, and Rosie were good friends. I remember the ladies card club they had formed. They had such fun. Rosie is the person who helped me with my sewing class projects. Her guidance helped spark my interest in sewing. Such a kind and giving person. Maybe she and Mom and the other card club ladies, Dorothy Peterson and Dorothy Baughman ( my aunts), Nancy Genshimer, Shirley and the others whose names escape me, will get a Tripoli game going.
She will be missed. Prayers and condolences to your family.