Obituary of Rosemary T. Connerton

We celebrate the life of Rosemary T. Sergi Connerton, 98, of Binghamton, who died peacefully on September 16, 2023, at Good Shepherd Fairview Skilled Nursing Facility. Rosemary was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, William (Bill) J. Connerton. She was also predeceased by her parents, Josephine and Raimondo Sergi, her five siblings Mary Sbarra, Anne Emmick, Dominic Sergi, Carmela Eskra, and Pasquale Sergi, and her niece and namesake, Rosemary Sbarra Fiori. Rosemary is survived by her daughter, Kathy Connerton, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grand nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. For years her nieces and nephews tried to determine who was really her favorite. That secret was never revealed. Bill and Rosemary met serving on the IBM Homestead Board of Governors. Their love of golf brought them together, but it was the value each placed on their faith, family and friends that made their marriage strong. Bill often said that he soon realized after meeting Rosemary that she was as beautiful inside as she was outside. He also would chuckle remembering his early dates with her. Rosemary would quite frequently bring her niece Joanne with her. Her family would joke that she really won Bill over by making him cheesecake and pecan pie. Rosemary's passing marks the end of a generation for both the Sergi and Connerton families. Thankfully there are many memories that honor all of the family members who have gone before. During her life Rosemary was faithful. Even in later years when her memory became challenging she always remembered Mass on the weekend and always had a stack of prayer cards to say early in the morning and at night. Growing up in Endicott at 207 Oak Hill Avenue she and her siblings had a fun and active childhood. Living next door to "the park" provided much entertainment for the six Sergi children and if the park was not enough there are pictures to prove that the four Sergi sisters found laughter and joy once a year putting on their bathing suits in the dead of winter and posing in the snow. While the family lived through challenging times in the world, page after page in the photo albums show a family that enjoyed being together with extended family and friends. Even the Sunday homemade spaghetti dinners were made special by all who gathered for Josephine's sauce and meatballs. Rosemary always loved fashion and wore her clothes beautifully. At an early age she learned to sew. She was an amazing seamstress. She would travel miles with her dear friend, Beverly Murphy, to find just the right fabric. Up until her death, she could be seen at TJ Maxx feeling all the fabrics and looking to make sure the seams matched. After marrying Bill, Rosemary continued to work at IBM until their daughter was born. After that she dedicated her life to taking care of the family she loved with all her heart. She never forgot the joy and happiness she had living in the family home at 42 Bennett Avenue and her wonderful neighbors, Rita and Larry Davis and their three sons, who became more like family. Family members will never forget watching Rosemary and Bill dance at family weddings. The floor often cleared so that all could enjoy how beautifully they glided across the dance floor. From time to time Kathy could watch her parents dance in the living room just for fun. Whether it was taking a golf lesson at the IBM Country Club, attending one of Kathy's events, or simply gathering together to drink a root beer float on movie night, Rosemary did it with all her heart. Following Bill's death and losing her last two siblings on the same day, there was an emptiness that never left her. It was apparent to all who knew her well that she was uncomfortable being the last one. With a heart full of love, she turned that sadness into something positive and adopted two rescue dogs, Anna and Holly. They were very lucky to have Rosemary as their Mom. They wanted for nothing and were properly spoiled with love and treats. In her last few years, Rosemary often remarked how grateful she was for the wonderful family and friends that surrounded her life. Every day she longed to return to her happy memories at 207 and 42 Bennett, as she affectionately called them. She was also blessed in later years to have wonderful caregivers. Special thanks to Cathy Dooley, NP, and Jerome Mikloucich, MD, Jason Tornichio, Kim Boburka, and Nicole Rought, all of whom are angels on earth. A very special thanks also to the wonderful caregivers at Good Shepherd. Thank you for loving her, caring for her, and always making her feel special. The family also wants to thank the Lourdes Hospice team for all they did to make her last few days as peaceful as possible. Rosemary Sergi Connerton lived a wonderful long life and leaves a family grateful for her love and warm touch. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at St. Patrick's Church, Thursday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Expressions of sympathy in Rosemary's memory may be made to Lourdes Hospital Foundation, 169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905 or to Good Shepherd Communities, 32 Village Drive, Endwell, NY 13760. The Mass will be livestreamed at tinyurl.com/12w5eun or by going to https://sta-sp.org/