Rosemary B. Kenney

ROSEMARY BRUNSCHWYLER KENNEY, beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and Godmother passed to her eternal rest on November 17, 2022 at age 95.

Rosemary was born on July 22,1927 in Charleston, West Virginia. She was the fifth of eight children born to John Paul Brunschwyler and Margaret Wharton Ripley Brunschwyler.

She graduated from Welch High School in WVA in 1945 where she was a cheerleader and member of the Acapella Choir. Her college and university education began at St. Mary of the Springs, Columbus, Ohio and continued at The Ohio State University.  She was recognized as a talented pianist and soprano and was the recipient of the MUSIC AWARD at graduation in 1949. Her artistic development was furthered by becoming a visual artist in oil, pastels, and watercolors. She became a proficient ceramicist and calligrapher.

With degrees in Music Education she began her teaching in Gary, WVA that was followed by appointments in Athens, WVA; Columbus, Ohio; East Lansdown, Pennsylvania; East Haddam, Connecticut; Boston, Massachusetts; Bangor, Maine; and Birmingham, Alabama.

Rosemary was married to Dr. Peter William Kenney on April 15, 1967 in Villanova, PA. Peter died on February 18, 2007. Together they enjoyed travel to Canada, Hawaii, Europe, and Israel. During their last years they became accomplished ballroom dances and were members of several dance clubs in Birmingham, Alabama. She was a member of several clubs and enjoyed walking and swimming at the “Y”. They were members of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church where they attended daily Mass and Rosemary was active as a volunteer and participated in prayer groups.

Following the death of her husband, Peter Kenney, Rosemary moved to Pennsylvania and lived at Villa St. Martha in Downingtown, where she continued attending daily Mass. In 2016 she moved to Sunrise of Granite Run in Media, PA where she enjoyed participating in bingo and crafts. She was especially grateful for visits from her Godchild, Carl, who came and played some of her favorites on the cello. She loved the Bach and The Swan. On Sundays, she treasured praying the Rosary with Monica and AJ.

Rosemary was an example of generosity. She planned and executed many events for her relatives at their reunions including a pirate treasure hunt at a beach, word games using familiar family terms and quizzes about family history. She presented such gifts as original paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy of biblical quotations. She gave prizes of quarters that she had won in her bingo pastime. At reunions, she had great pleasure in presenting an Art Show. Rosemary displayed original art sent to her by the children of her siblings. She wanted their talents to be recognized and appreciated. At one reunion, she was presented with a framed tribute as THE CARETAKER OF OUR MEMORIES. It was beautifully prepared by Camilla Armstrong.   

Our precious Rosemary considered the highpoint of her life to be her visits to the Holy Land. First, by herself and then with her husband where they renewed their wedding vows in Cana in the presence of four priests.

Rosemary is survived by her sister, Judith Wharton (Brunschwyler) Donakowski (Conrad), and fourteen nieces and nephews: Ronald Brunschwyler (Catherine); Judith Lear; Patricia Traut (Kevin); Margaret Anne Gathright (Rocky); Amy Culp; Rick Brunschwyler (Pamela); Camilla Armstrong (Jerry); Katherine Plaut (David); Greta Brunschwyler (Ron Stoner); John Brunschwyler (Natalie); Lea Jessup, (William); Emily Horick (Brian); Monica Rose Duffy (A.J.III); and Carl Philip Donakowski (Lisa Tubach); and sister-in-law Carolyn Franz Brunschwyler; Also, her dear cousins: Lewis Ripley (Jeanette); Rosellen McCrory; and James Cleary (Marion), and many Grand nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, brothers: Bro. John Paul (Marion); William Eugene, Richard Grant, (Jeanne) and Philip Craig, (Jacqueline) and sisters: Margaret Regina and Jane Anne; Nieces: Lisa Brunschwyler and Nephews: Conrad Brunschwyler and Mark Richard Brunschwyler.

Family and friends are invited to the 8:00 AM Visitation on Saturday, November 26 at St. Jude R.C. Church; 1402 10^th St.; Eddystone, PA 19013 followed by 9:00 A.M. Funeral Mass.

A Memorial Mass will be held later at Our Lady of Sorrows, Homewood, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, Rosemary asked that donations be sent on her behalf to:

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES, 228 West Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201-3443.