Rosemary Allen

Mrs. Rosemary Allen, age 86 passed away Sunday, October 21, 2007 in Muskegon, MI. A Muskegon Native, Rosemary lived in New Bedford, MA for 38 years where she was a housewife and housekeeper (and baby-sitter) for several families. She and her husband, John Allen, cared for his ailing parents in their home. John and Rosemary's favorite recreation was sailing in Buzzards Bay and camping on board their 27 foot wooden sailboat (named Rose-Mary) in secluded coves and near small islands in the bay near the many Islands in the bay. In 1982, following her husband's death in 1981, Rosemary returned home to Muskegon where she lived at Bay View Towers. For 10 years, she served as a Foster Grandmother for 5 area disadvantaged children through Angell School and the (former) Regional Rehabilitation Center. She attended several Foster Grandmother State Conferences in Flint, Detroit, and on Mackinaw Island. Rosemary's secrets to foster grand-mothering included reading, singing, playing music, and simply holding her foster grandchildren close to heart. For 17 years, Rosemary enjoyed her love for singing as a regular and popular participant at Karaoke, singing at the Apple Avenue Village Inn Pizza. Called "The Singing Grandma," there was always a table reserved for her, and she was featured in the Muskegon Chronicle on Valentine's Day, 2001. Rosemary has many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, James Koskuba and Devlina (Dion) Koskuba, and her three sisters, Margaret Ann Koskuba, Mrs. Mary Louise Van Lente and Mrs. Alice Van Lente. (Please feel free to sign the on-line guest book at youngfh.com) VISITATION: Friday 2-4P.M. at the funeral home and 1 hour prior to Mass at the church. ROSARY: Friday 3:30 P.M. at the funeral home. FUNERAL MASS: Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. at St. Jean's Catholic Church, Father Thomas Page officiating. Entombment St. Mary's Cemetery MEMORIALS: Foster Grandparents of Muskegon. Envelopes will be available.