Rosemary P. Farley, devoted wife, mother
Rosemary P. Farley, 77, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Jupiter, Fla., surrounded by her loving family. Born March 6, 1947, in Wilmington, Rosemary was the third child of Edith (Ferretti) and Frank Parisi. She was a graduate of Corpus Christi High School and Goldey-Beacom College.
After her graduation in 1967, she began working at the DuPont Company. In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Farley Sr. Upon the birth of their first child in 1974, Rosemary dedicated herself to her family.
In 1999, Rosemary returned to the workforce and served as president of Farley Printing Company until 2010. She was named by Printing Impressions magazine as one of the Women in Print in 2001. She served as the chair of the Wilmington Flower Market in 2000. Rosemary was a longtime Rehoboth Beach Country Club member and enjoyed playing with the “9 holes.”
Rosemary's most significant accomplishment was raising her three children, her pride and joy. Known as Nonna, she dedicated her life and had the best times with her five grandchildren. She embodied love, kindness, and generosity in everything she did. Rosemary had a deep passion for cooking and took immense pride in her Italian heritage. She enjoyed spending time at the beach, dancing, traveling, and trying new recipes in her kitchen.
Rosemary's greatest joy came from being surrounded by family. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and as her children often said, they were better people because of her.
Rosemary and Joe were blessed to have traveled the world extensively, enjoying cruising, visiting the islands, and in later years, adopting Juno Beach, Fla., as their winter home. One of her most enjoyable experiences was having a private lunch with Hilary Clinton, Tipper Gore, and President Clinton's mom. Quietly, Rosemary was always there supporting Joe every step of their life together. Married for 55 years, they lived in love believing they would always be together, "Always and Forever."
Rosemary was predeceased by her parents, Edith (Ferretti) and Frank Parisi; her brother, Frank (Sonny) Parisi and Tulia (Tillie) Baker. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Joseph Farley Sr.; her three children, their spouses, and five grandchildren, Joseph Jr. and Allison Farley (Rainey, Joseph Patrick III and Ella), J. Brendan and Rachel Farley (Zoe and James Jr.), and Melissa Farley; her sisters-in-law, Francie (Jack), Anne (Peg) and Maureen; and her nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 10, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, Rosemary's family requests that donations be made in her memory to the St. Patrick's Center, 107 E. 14th St., Wilmington, DE 19801, stpatrickscenter.org.
To send condolences, visit mccreryandharra.com.
