Rosemary Crum

Rosemary Crum always regarded her family as her greatest treasure. She was a loving mother who worked hard to provide for her children. She devoted her life to her family, and she was the happiest in their warm company.

Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, the First World War rapidly spread through Europe and Northern Africa. In America, people speculated on the role that their nation would play in the escalating war. Amid this climate of uncertainty, Ernest E. Fehsenfeld and his wife Mary F. Baleski maintained their optimistic spirits by focusing on a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on May 21, 1916 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Rosemary Agnes.

The eldest of seven children, Rosemary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she grew up the company of her sisters, Bertha and Lucille, and her brothers, Howard, Ernest, who died as an infant, Jim, and John. The Fehsenfeld family lived on Turner NW, located on the West Side of town. They were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where Rosemary also attended elementary and junior high school. She then enrolled at Union High School and attended through the twelfth grade; she later graduated with a GED. Throughout her childhood, Rosemary was responsible for many chores around the house. She also helped many neighbors with babysitting and housekeeping. As the eldest child, she helped her mother raise her younger siblings. In the year 1937, Rosemary’s father died unexpectedly; she was twenty-one years old.

In her later teens Rosemary befriended a young shoemaker named Alfred Crum. They fell in love and got married. Although their marriage ended in divorce after thirteen years, their union was blessed with two wonderful children: Audrey was born on June 29, 1933, followed by Tom on June 26, 1935. In 1936, Rosemary and her children returned to the family house on Second St. NW where they lived for the next eight years. Rosemary ultimately purchased a home on North Avenue NE.

She worked a variety of jobs at places including the local dairy, a cigar shop, and Herpolsheimer's Department Store. Rosemary was a wonderful cook. She never made a simple meal. She always served several dishes, even if she was eating alone. She drank tea with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Her cooking always beckoned a full dinner table, and her children especially enjoyed her scalloped potatoes and ham and her pork loin roasts. She canned fruits and vegetables each fall, and she made many delicious jams and jellies. Rosemary was an excellent baker. She made desserts of all kinds: cakes, muffins, cookies, breads, rolls, and bars.

Rosemary was also a great seamstress, specializing in dresses, men’s suits, draperies, upholstery and a few wedding dresses. She lent her skills to family and friends. Rosemary was a proper lady who always dressed nicely, accenting each outfit with the perfect hat and shoes.

Rosemary worked as a secretary and contract closer at Village Belles Realty Company for over twenty years. She retired in 1986 at the age of seventy. Throughout her career she was an active member of the Grand Rapids Business Women’s Club. In her spare time she volunteered for “Meals on Wheels,” a food delivery service for shut-in seniors. She was also a member of the Women’s Symphony Group. In the mid-1960’s Rosemary welcomed her mother into her home and cared for her until her death in 1972.

Rosemary attended St. Alphonsus Church for several years before becoming a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She knew that her life was filled with blessings, and she was especially thrilled to see her family grow with several grandchildren and great-grandkids. Rosemary always remembered birthdays and holidays, and she sent cards for every special occasion.

At seventy-five years of age Rosemary underwent open heart bypass surgery. The operation took its toll on her strength, and she no longer enjoyed the same level of activity. She developed celiac disease. Hospitalized many times before it became apparent that she could no longer care for herself, in February of 2006 she was admitted to St. Mary’s Living Center. She later transferred to Christian Rest Home Assisted Living and Nursing Center.

Rosemary was a loving mother, grandma, and great grandma. She was active in her community and her family. For over fifty years she enjoyed the company of her friend and companion Ted Dedinas. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, Rosemary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Rosemary died on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital after developing pneumonia. She is survived by her children, Audrey and Ed Gezon, Thomas Crum; her 6 grandchildren, Sue (Bob) Gerritsen, Edward Gezon Jr.(friend, Pat Koster), Rose (Kevin) Seagraves, Richard (Keely) Gezon, Randy (Jodi) Crum, Pamela (Greg) Bonsib; 12 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; her brother, John (Joan) Fehsenfeld; her sister-in-law, Beverly Fehsenfeld; her longtime friend and companion, Ted Dedinas; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Rosemary worked for Village Belles Realty for many years. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (corner of Plymouth and Burton St., please meet at church) where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at Heritage Life Story funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with a scripture service at 7:00 PM. Contributions in her memory to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or Christian Rest Home. Please visit Rosemary’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may sign the online guest book or archive a favorite memory.