A heavenly request was granted when Rosemary Koster left this earth on Thursday, February 23, 2017. She was 90-years-old when she passed with all of her nine children able to be with her in her final days. Rosemary was preceded in death by her loving partner in life for 67 years, Walter J. Koster, parents Margaret & Albert W. Pasbach and grandson Zachary. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her children Kathy (Greg) Kukawski, Patty (John) Dennehy, Mike (Judy) Koster, Rick (Denise) Koster, Mary Chris (Steve) Heintzelman, Jane (Rick) Berkey, David Koster, Laura (John) Gardner and Joan (Brian) Day. There was a special place in her heart for her 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Even in her final year, Rosemary took great pride in knowing the names and activities of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and visiting with them whenever possible. She is also survived by her brother Lawrence Pasbach, sister Patricia Pasbach and sister-in-law Shirley Koster. Rosemary gave much of herself above and beyond her large family commitments. She was an active member with Walter at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for over six decades where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a mainstay on the funeral committee. She enjoyed playing golf and tennis along with the social hour that always followed. She was also known for hiding secret stashes of chocolate in the house which her children took great pleasure in finding. Rosemary also gladly donated her time and energy throughout the years to worthy organizations like The Grand Rapids Home for the Blind and Kids Food Basket. She loved to travel with Walt and saw a great deal of the U.S. and abroad in their time traveling together. The family wishes to sincerely thank and commend the wonderful people at Heather Hills Retirement Village and Hospice of Michigan for treating Rosemary with the loving care and dignity she deserved in her final years. Those involved with her care were treated to her wonderful sense of humor which she kept to the very end. Rosemary’s family will welcome friends for special remembrances and stories from the past (accurate or otherwise) Sunday, February 26 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 27, 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish, 1935 Plymouth Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. Troy Nevins and Rev. Leonard Sudlik concelebrants. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either, Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Dr., NE #C, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or a charity of choice in Rosemary’s name.
