Rosemary Babian Shaker passed away peacefully, August 12, 2022. Born in Chicago, IL, Rosemary raised her family in Flint, Michigan, and has resided in Florida since 1985. She is the daughter of Robert Babian (deceased) and Helen Yedgar Robinson (deceased), and the sister to her beloved twin brothers, Robert Babian Jr. (deceased), and Richard Babian of Long Beach, CA.
Rosemary was very proud of her Assyrian and Armenian heritage and the love of her extended family, cousins and friends. She shared wonderful memories of her childhood growing up with her cousins, cooking, playing piano, dancing, and always laughing. She was an accomplished dancer, having won the Harvest Moon Dance Contest with her brother Richard at the Chez Paree Nightclub in Chicago. Rosemary was exceptionally smart and artistically talented. She was her high school valedictorian, played the piano by ear, and had an eye for fashion and interior design.
Her greatest joy in life was raising her three children, Dr. Richard R. Shaker, of Tampa, Florida, Mrs. Lisa Shaker Knopp (Robert) of Valrico, Florida, and Mrs. Mona Capuano (Jeffrey), of Canton, OH. Perhaps even greater joy for Rosemary, Nana Rose, were here 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, Gina Courson, mother to Carter, Cam and Connor Courson, Leslie Knopp (Robbie Fabrizio), Natalie Knopp, Marina Fisher (Sterling), mother to Dominic and Ayla Fisher, Jenna Capuano and Roman Capuano. She has been a great friend and influence to many friends, extended family and cousins, and a great Auntie Rosie to her nephews and nieces.
Rosemary is remembered for her spicy personality and vernacular! She would definitely keep you on your toes and have you wondering what she might say or do next! She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, but mostly liked to make others laugh with her saucy comments. The family would like to thank the staff of Tessera of Brandon, Assisted Living Facility for the wonderful compassion and care they provided for her the past three years. The care team shared many “Miss Rosemary” stories with us, that equally shocked and amused them and us! In Rosemary’s words, she told us “ I am proud of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I am a lucky woman who lived a good life, and I was a bad mofo!”
The family will be having a small open house memorial tribute to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to The Bright Focus Foundation to support macular degeneration research. www.brightfocus.org
3 Comments
Anonymous
I was always amazed by Aunt Rose’s talent on the piano.
She could play anything! We loved her and her jajac and
The stories she told of the old days. Bless her and all of
You. Love, Scott and Holly
Linda B
Dear Cousin Rosemary’s family – I am so very sorry to hear of her passing, and what a lovely tribute to a ‘one-of-a-kind’ gal. My Dad, (Uncle Wally), LOVED the time he invited Rosemary, Lucy, Franny, Dot, and Aunt Dee Aziz to his AZ home for a week-end of cooking, laughing, eating, and more laughing. And now, Rosemary joins them, and the rest of the ‘clan’ for even more laughing, and dancing, I’m sure….. what a wonderful thought ! Love to all of you, Linda
loih
I was always amazed by Aunt Rose’s talent on the piano.
She could play anything! We loved her and her jajac and
The stories she told of the old days. Bless her and all of
You. Love, Scott and Holly