In Loving Memory of Rosemary J. Parentin (Nee DiGregorio)
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rosemary Josephine Parentin, who departed this world on Sunday, March 31st, at the age of 75. Rosemary was born on April 7th, 1948, in Ans, Belgium, to Francesco and Giuseppa (Pensabene) DiGregorio. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Beloved wife of Donald E. Parentin married May 7,1986 – blending their families. Loving mother of Clair (Phillip) Crannick, Robert Kelam Jr., Thomas (Jackie) Kelam, Tracy (Don) Drissell, David (Lannette) Parentin; adoring grandmother of Andrew (Bruce), Blake, Ben, Thomas, Tyler, Trevor, Brogan (Emily), Cullen, Lexi, Maisyn and Wesleigh and the late Samantha, Travis and Tara; cherished sister of Lucy (the late Paci) Dreon and the late Roland (Francis) DiGregorio, Salvatore (surviving Dora) DiGregorio, Francine (Salvatore) Campisi, Joseph (Theresa) DiGregorio, Carmen Gennaro, John (surviving Gabby) DiGregorio
Rosemary’s journey began in Belgium, but her heart found its true home in the United States when she arrived in 1953 with her mother and siblings. Growing up on the hill, she attended St. Ambrose grade school and Southwest High School, where she laid the foundations of her remarkable life.
In 1986, Rosemary married Donald E. Parentin, joining their families and hearts together in a union of love and companionship. Though she is preceded in death by her parents and several beloved family members, Rosemary leaves a legacy of love and resilience that will forever be cherished by those who knew her. Family was everything to Rosemary.
Throughout her life, Rosemary was not only a skilled cosmetologist but also a dedicated entrepreneur. As the owner and operator of beauty salons, including her last salon that served the community of The Hill for over three decades, she touched countless lives with her talent and kindness. Community was at the core of Rosemary’s being.
She was passionate about supporting St. Ambrose with St. Joseph’s Altar and La Festa, She also organized fundraisers for neighboring church, St. Aloysius.
Rosemary dedicated herself to numerous fundraising efforts for causes close to her heart. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness for illnesses affecting her loved ones, including cancer, SIDS, and scleroderma,
Her commitment to making a difference was unwavering, whether it was through Cut-A-Thons, fashion shows, Gala events, or charity work and rehabilitation services for women.
Rosemary’s generosity knew no bounds, and her impact extended far beyond her professional endeavors. She walked for Jerry’s kids, participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk, and donated her time and love to various causes. She received the community service award in 1990 from Shaw Community School, a testament to her dedication and commitment to her community.
She organized Sicilian Night at Mama Campisi’s Restaurant to strengthen the community bonds, demonstrating her commitment to bringing people together.
In 1983, Rosemary’s talent and creativity were recognized when she won first place in the Day Style Hair Competition, showcasing her skill and passion for her craft.
In her final act of generosity, Rosemary has donated her body to Washington University School of Medicine, a reflection of her lifelong dedication to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of humanity.
As we bid farewell to Rosemary, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, her memory a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness.
Services to celebrate Rosemary’s life will be held at St. Ambrose Church, located at 5130 Wilson St, St. Louis, MO, on April 4th, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude. Thank you.
Rosemary you were an amazing woman and I am honored to have had you in my life. I will miss you my Rose bud and I love you ♥️. Fly high sweet angel.
Aunt Rose, you were an amazing woman, not just a relative but a mentor and a beacon of love and kindness that illuminated the paths of everyone you encountered. Your essence was akin to a blooming garden, where every flower represented a virtue you embodied – be it your resilience that stood tall like a sunflower, your nurturing love that enveloped us like the gentle petals of a rose, or your wisdom that spread tranquility like the lavender in the breeze.
Your laughter was a melody that resonated with the chords of happiness, a sound that could light up a room with its infectious joy. You had the magical ability to transform mundane moments into occasions of joy and celebration, your enthusiasm infusing life with a vibrant energy that was impossible to resist.
In your memory, let us carry forward her legacy of love, your spirit of joy, and your zest for life. Let us remember you for the beautiful moments shared, for the laughter echoed, and for the love that bound us in a beautiful tapestry of cherished moments, moments that defined your remarkable journey, a journey that was a beautiful dance of love, of joy, and of the nurturing embrace that you extended to everyone you met.
She is and will be sorely missed here, but she’s surely resting in Paradise with Jesus.
Our beautiful Rosemary is an example of love and loyalty in good times and in bad. We are blessed to call her cousin. May she rest in eternal peace. Prayers for her loving family’s comfort at this very sad time.
There are so many wonderful memories of Rosemary. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She worked hard and enjoyed life. She used all her time and energy helping everyone in every way she could. She always made you feel so special and so loved.
In good times and not so good times, she carried on thinking of others.
She always had that twinkle in her eyes making jokes and telling funny stories. Always young at heart and spreading joy. What an inspiration Rosemary was for us.
Will miss you Rosemary.
Praying for your beautiful family
Rosemary was one of a kind. A friend to so many. Our family (Dundon’s) will always be grateful for her endless support and loving kindness over the years. May she rest in peace now as she continues to watch over all of us. ♥️