Rosemary Romick

Rosemary was born May 7, 1959, in Keokuk, Iowa. She was the youngest of seven children. She spent her childhood in Iowa, playing with and learning from her older siblings and cousins.

While in school she fell in love with her government class and intended on becoming a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Her life pivoted, however. After high school she attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she graduated with an associate’s degree in medical assisting.

Four days after graduation she got a job at the Cedar Rapids Veterans Affairs Hospital. She once said, “A wish to help American veterans came from my father, who was a retired U.S. Navy man and a former POW of WWII.” Her father, Don Jones, who she affectionately called “pop,” was one of the people Rosemary admired most in this world. One of her favorite life lessons that she often said she learned from him was to be the best you can be and to always be kind.

Rosemary would spend the next 38 years of her life dedicated to the VA Healthcare system in a variety of administrative roles, before retiring as the compliance officer at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Healthcare System in Iron Mountain, a position which she was very proud of and very good at. It was while working for the VA that she met the love of her life. Rosemary married Bruce Romick on March 7, 1983. They shared 42 years, two children and a lifetime of memories together. Their lives took on many different adventures, leading to many new places, including Iowa, Washington and Arizona before finally settling in the Upper Peninsula.

When she wasn’t working, Rosemary found her peace in the simple joys: a good book, the keys of her piano, and the warmth of the afternoon sun. She was a devoted advocate for animals, often opening her home to those in search of a family — particularly cats, of which there were always at least two running around her home. To know Rosemary was to know a woman of genuine kindness, sharp wit, and a vibrant spirit. Above all, her family was her heartbeat.

Having navigated a bit of an unstable childhood of her own, she was determined to build a different world for her children. She succeeded, creating a sanctuary defined by unconditional love, strength, and open communication. Whether it was a much-needed hug or a steady hand through a struggle, Rosemary was the “safe place” for everyone that she loved.

Rosemary is survived by her husband, Bruce Romick of Iron Mountain; her daughter, Donnelle Romick of Iron Mountain, and son, Matthew Romick (Alonso Quiñones) of New York City; her sisters, Sheryl Heater (Gene Heater) and Sheila Jordan of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; her brother, Michael Caldwell (Brenda Caldwell) of Iron Mountain, and stepbrother Steve Owens; as well as several nieces and nephews and loving cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanne Owens; father Don Jones; brothers Jim Caldwell, Tom Caldwell and Denny Caldwell; and her aunt, Joyce Jones.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 120 Odill Drive, Norway, MI 49870. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jim Danielson officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider donations to be made in Rosemary’s name to charities fighting cancer and/or liver disease.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rosemary Romick online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.