Rose Mary Memo 1948-2025
POLAND — Rose Mary Memo, 76, was called home to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and boundless generosity.
Born Oct. 6, 1948, in Youngstown, she was the cherished daughter of the late Catherine and Joseph Romeo.
Rose Mary was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Elizabeth Mediate Deluca, who lovingly adopted her after their mother’s passing, and Elizabeth’s husband, Carmen; her brother, Peter Mediate and his wife, Doris; her nephew, Rocky Kinsley; and her beloved cousin, Viola Vaughan and Viola’s husband, William Vaughan.
She leaves behind her soulmate and husband of 55 years, Richard Memo, whose love anchored her extraordinary life. Together, they raised four children: Michael (Nicole), Mark (Cristina), Dan (Erin) and Susan (Alex) Schmitt. Above all, Rose Mary’s greatest honor and joy was being a grandmother to her 13 grandchildren: Alexandra, Elizabeth, Cristina, Jon-Daniel, Michael, Gabriella, Kelley, Sam, Stella, Noah, Rocco, Rosalia and Hunter. Her devotion to them was limitless and her love will live on in their hearts.
The love of Rose Mary’s life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her every step. A devoted servant of St. Benedict, she shared her faith by personally handing out over 2,000 St. Benedict medals to those she met, offering comfort and inspiration to countless souls.
Her commitment to Holy Family Church was unwavering and she cherished her involvement with Altrusa, Mahoning County Medical Alliance — where she was named Gem of the Year in 2025 — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Junior League of Youngstown.
Rose Mary’s spirit shone brightly in her passions. A lifelong swimmer and dancer, she found joy in movement and grace, joining a dancing group at age 65.
Her education reflected her dedication to serving others. She was a graduate of Poland High School and earned her degrees in education and psychological counseling from Youngstown State University. With her knowledge and compassion, she uplifted everyone around her.
Rose Mary’s life was a testament to love in action.
Calling hours will be 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road (Route 224).
A prayer service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Benedict Fund at Holy Family School to support student tuition grants, a cause close to Rose Mary’s heart.
This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.
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