Rosemary McDermott

McDermott, Rosemary MADISON - Rosemary (McGilligan) McDermott, age 81, died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 11, 2006. A lifelong Madison resident, Rosemary grew up in the central part of the city in what was then an ethnic mix of cultures in the former 4th ward. She graduated from St. Raphaels grade school and Edgewood High School. She maintained contact with her school classmates throughout her life and had a fanatic loyalty for her high school alma mater, the Wisconsin Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers. Rosemary was employed by Madison Newspapers, Inc. for 25 years. After retiring from MNI she worked as a quality assurance secretary for Meriter Hospital, and later, for St. Patricks Catholic Church, before retiring in 1991. She was an avid traveler with her faithful four-legged companions, the latest of which was Maille. Together they traveled New England and the Virginia coast to Southern California. For the past 15 years she wintered in Florida between December and April where a whole new set of beloved friends emerged. Treasured memories of recent years included three trips with family to Ireland, where she fulfilled a lifelong wish of having her picture taken at Galway Bay, and a visit to Broadway in New York City where she proudly proclaimed surviving the "Blackout of 2003." Her travels not withstanding, most of all, Rosemary loved being right here at home in Madison. In her own words: "To me, there is no place quite like Madison. Growing up in the 4th Ward on Main Street and living close to friends and relatives made for a good life. I lived very close to the lake then and I live even closer to Lake Monona now. I cannot imagine not being able to look out and see water." A little more than a year ago, Rosemary was selected as just one of 12 Madison women to be profiled in Sarah Whites book, "Madison Women Remember", where she got to tell her story about growing up in the capital of Wisconsin. Rosemary would want to be remembered for her faith, her Irish, her commitment to family and friends, her sense of humor, and her eagerness to take on a cause when she believed herself to be right. Generations of people who got to know Rosemary and those who lived by her side knew that these traits defined her. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, John E. McGilligan Sr. and Frances Rupp McGilligan; her husband of 46 years, Austin J. "Mac" McDermott in 1991; and two brothers, William A. McGilligan in 1993, and John E. McGilligan Jr. in 1978. She is survived by two sons, John M. (Jane) McDermott of Madison, and Robert J. (Kay) McDermott of Tampa, Fla.; three grandchildren, Brennan J. McDermott and Amanda J. McDermott of Madison, and Colin J. (Chrissy) McDermott of Stoughton; and three great-grandchildren, Austin, Lauren and Adeline. She remained close to her brother-in-law, Paul; sisters-in-law, Louise and Marion; and nephews and nieces, Joan, Marilyn, Paul Jr., Diane, Dennis, Maureen, Patrick, Luann and Susie. She is further survived by a dear cousin, Ellen; and scores of good neighbors and wonderful friends including, Bob, Grace, Betsy and Ben who gave often of themselves on her behalf. Visitation will be at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006. Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, with Monsignor Michael Hippee officiating. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to Madison Edgewood High School. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com