Rosemarie Cleaver

Rosemarie Catherine (O’Brien) Cleaver, 86, May 20, 1936 – March 18, 2023, died peacefully at her home at Echo Lake, Malvern, PA, surrounded by her family.

Born in Scranton, PA, she was the daughter of Dr. Michael G. O’Brien and Rosella Kelly O’Brien.  On October 3, 1959, she married John Lynch Cleaver.  In addition to her husband, she is survived by her 5 children: Kathleen Curtis (Stephen), Colleen Johnson (Bradley), Ellen Cleaver, Suzanne Emerson (Eric), and Michael Cleaver (Laura); 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

Rosie graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 1958, which initiated a life-long relationship with the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Chestnut Hill College, where she later worked as an Assistant Director of Admissions.  She was an active member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Associates in Mission.

A dedicated gardener, she completed the Barnes 3 year Horticultural Program and was a supporter of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Hardy Plant Society.  Rosie was a voracious reader and loved the arts and music and relished her trips to museums and the Philadelphia Orchestra.  A member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Germantown, she was an enthusiastic supporter of Inn Dwelling (Scholar Development Program) and Face to Face (Community Outreach).

Rosie enjoyed vacationing in Avalon and at her home in Skytop, PA.  She was an avid traveler and frequently accompanied her husband on international trips related to his business.  She loved to laugh and spend weekends at the shore with college friends.  Rosie was an excellent cook and loved to entertain.  Her grandchildren meant the world to her.  She especially loved decorating the golf carts with them for the annual Fourth of July parade at Skytop Lodge.

Rosie loved telling stories about growing up in Scranton with her brothers Michael, John, Thomas, Francis and Joseph.  She will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, grandmom, and lifelong friend to many.  Rosie brought people together.  She introduced friends from different circles in her life, who in turn became life long friends.  Rosie was a listener.  She wanted to know what was going on in your life and her kind heart and genuine interest in each and every person she met will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday June 3, 2023 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 109 E. Price St., Philadelphia, PA 19144, followed by her Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 AM. A private family interment was held at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge Park, near her home of 36 years.

Contributions in Rosie’s memory would be appreciated by Inn Dwelling or Face to Face, both centered at 109 East Price Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144-2145.