Rosemary Direnzo

Rosemary DiRenzo broke free from the chains of Alzheimer’s disease, passing peacefully on January 5, 2022 at Meadowbrook Healthcare, Plattsburgh, New York at the age of 79.
Diagnosed with this relentless disease in her mid 50’s, Rosie endured with courage, strength and dignity, never losing her kind, gentle and happy disposition. While still able to make her own decisions, Rosie participated in a trial drug program knowing it may not be a cure for Alzheimer’s, but understanding any research was a step forward towards ending this cruel disease that affects millions of people and their families.
While we are heavy hearted to lose the gift of Rosie’s infectious smile and loving presence, we celebrate her full and vibrant life. Rosie was born August 15, 1942 in South Bend, Indiana to Louis Vincent Moraschi and Ivy Schlarb. After Rosie’s biological mother left the family, Rosie was adopted by her maternal Aunt, Bernice Apger and Bernice’s spouse, Kenneth. Bernice loved Rosemary as her own and provided a loving and supportive upbringing.
After graduating from John Adams High School, South Bend Indiana in June of 1960, Rosie attended the Hartford United Airline School in Newark NJ. She enjoyed working as a secretary for the Pentagon in Washington DC, followed by flying for United Airlines as a flight attendant based out of Newark. It was at the Pentagon that Rosie reunited with her dear high school friend Kathy Giles, and met the three other special women whose friendship would become known as the Ya-Ya sisters. The Ya-Ya sisters reunited annually starting in 1989.
It was in Washington DC Rosie met her first husband, Ralph C. Glenn. They married on March 7, 1964 and had two daughters prior to relocating to Plattsburgh. Rosemary developed a passion for running and a healthy lifestyle. She was employed by Packaging Corporation of America for many years as an administrative assistant. After a divorce, Rosemary married Dave DiRenzo with whom she had a full and active life, developing a passion for the outdoors. Together they climbed the 46 Adirondack Peaks twice, often accompanied by a close-knit group of friends. She was also an excellent racquetball player, completed a half marathon and was an active community volunteer. Dave and Rosie’s union formed a blended family. The 6 children from this union formed a strong bond that remains to this day.
Rosemary is survived by her husband, David Alfonzo DiRenzo, her children and their spouses; Anthony Louis DiRenzo, Kathleen Jo Glenn-Roberts (Larry), Lisa Renee Keegan (James), Karin Glenn Kellman, Jacqueline Mary Arevalo (Louis), and Joseph David DiRenzo; by her grandchildren, Alexis Renee Michaud, Brody David Michaud, Fynn Larabee White, Josephine Elizabeth White, Joli Sage Kellman and Jett Austin Kellman, and by her great-grandchild Ariah Skyler Welsh, with several nieces and nephews, and sister Karon Showalter.
She was predeceased by her biological parents Louis Vincent Moraschi and Ivy Schlarb, by her adoptive parents Kenneth and Bernice Apger, brother Frank Moraschi and sister Sharon Ment.
Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Meadowbrook Healthcare for their devoted attention to Rosie during her time there.
Calling hours are Friday, January 14, 2022 from 3-6pm at the Brown Funeral Home: 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 11:00am in the Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Internment will be in the Divine Mercy Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be offered to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/donate. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com