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With sincere compassion, we respectfully announce the transition of Dr. Rosemary Speer, a native of West Virginia, and resident of Montgomery, AL. Surrounded by her loving family, Dr. Speer peacefully transitioned on Sunday, February 6th, 2021.
Rosemary Page was born in West Virginia to a family of patriotic coalminers. Robert I. Page and Pearl Gregory were her loving parents. Rosemary shared that her brothers never wanted to move out when they turned of age because of Pearl’s incredible cooking. Rosemary married Theodore Elswick 19 years her senior in 1947. Rosemary survived her husband who died in 1967 a mere 20 years of marriage. Rosemary was known for her thirst for life and the people around her. After losing her husband she took her daughters Rosemary “Lynn” and Theodora “Teddy” with her to study for her PhD. After obtaining her PhD and becoming Dr. Rosemary Elswick, she spent the rest of her life as a businesswomen, educator,
and traveler.
Over her lifetime, she sought as much culture and interaction with people as she possibly could. She called many States home in her lifetime Georgia, California, and Alabama to name a few. She also ensured a cultural experience by visiting places like Turkey, China, Rio, Europe, and as many cruises as she could book with her friends and family. Rosemary never wanted to sit still or be alone for any length of time. She was known by her dearest friends to be an eager traveler and business minded lady. She joined Church leadership and Women’s Club leadership in her late 80’s, which was no shock to her family and friends. The word that would describe her best is active.
No matter if it was a broken leg or major surgery that would temporarily immobilize her, she would be back up and running the second she was able; regardless of doctors’ advice. The fact that she was so active accounts for the fact that the only people to survive this vivacious life loving women is her grandchildren and great grandchildren. As the Matriarch of this family she has given the surviving members a piece of her love of travel and willingness to learn and take leaps in life.
Grandchildren
Babette Gonzales de Garcia and Benjamin Gonzales III; children of Rosemary “Lynn” Cisneros. Andy Hansen and John Hansen; children of Theodora “Teddy” Hansen
Great Grandchildren: Tabytha Garcia, Kaetlyn Garcia, D’Artagnan Garcia, Sabryna Garcia and Theodore Garcia; children of Babette Gonzales de Garcia. Mark Hansen, child of Andrew “Andy” Hansen and Thea Hansen; child of John Hansen.
The grandchildren will be planning a trip to disperse her ashes at her husband’s grave site in West Virginia sometime in the future. Please, in lieu of attending a memorial feel free to plant a tree or inquire on the travel dates if you would like to attend an intimate event during her disbursement as she wished.
Jackson Professional Funeral Services is grateful to the family of Dr. Rosemary Page Speer for entrusting our caring and dedicated professional staff with the final arrangements of their loved one. We solicit your continued, sincere support, and prayers for the family as they navigate through this experience.
Thank You,
JPFS
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Rosemary (Page) Speer, please visit our floral store.