Roselyn M. Green

Having lived by her faith, there was no grey area in the heart and mind of Rosie Green. With Rosie, everything was pretty much right or wrong; black and white. A quiet, loving, and caring soul, she was helpful in all ways. Selfless to the point of sacrifice, she never wanted the limelight, and preferred the attention focused on those she loved and cared about. A heart so worthy of remembrance, she will be kept close in the thoughts of all. Born on August 25, 1937, Roselyn's birth was a most welcome event in the lives of her parents, Joseph and Martha (Pasch) Andres of Wyman, a small community in central Michigan. It was an eventful year altogether in the nation as The Golden Gate Bridge was brought to completion in San Francisco, California. Aviation pioneer and noted author Amelia Earharts disappearance that year continues to remain a mystery, and the explosion of the Hindenburg marked the end of the airship era. In time Rosie and her family moved north of Wyman to the city of Big Rapids were she was raised with her younger siblings, Ruth Ann, Elizabeth, Carolyn, and David. Her father, along with his brothers, owned and operated the Osceola Refinery Company in nearby Reed City while her mother remained at home with the children as a homemaker. It continued to be a time of struggle for families, but the Depression was slowly coming to an end with hopeful anticipation of better tomorrows. Having attended the local schools, Rosie went on to graduate in 1956 from Big Rapids High School before earning her Associate's Degree in Business from Ferris Institute. In February of 1961, her personal life took an upward turn, as well. While attending a basketball game in Grand Rapids, she met Roger Green, the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. After dating a short time and falling deeply in love, the two were blessed as husband and wife on November 11, 1961 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Devoted to their Catholic faith, they were committed to raising their two children, Gregory and Natalie, in that very faith, too. They faithfully attended Sunday Mass as members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rosie worked as a secretary and teller at American Security Bank, and after ten years there she took a secretarial position at Central Michigan University in the Sports Medicine Department, eventually retiring in 1998. Over the years, her social side shone bright as she also sold Vivian Woodward Cosmetics on the side, products similar to Avon. It was a natural for Rosie, as she was always well put together and make-up was a must before leaving the house. Rosie was a very loving and caring mother, but she could be just as strict, which served her children well. She led by example, and made a good home for Roger and the kids. Even with working and keeping up with household duties, Rosie was involved in the lives of her children, especially their sporting events. She was a good cook and a great baker, often baking a batch or two of her favorite molasses cookies as well as her scrumptious gingerbread cake. She made certain to always have a warm, home-cooked meal on the table, and would even get up early to make breakfast before the kids headed off to school each morning which often consisted of homemade pancakes and waffles, (no Eggos in her house!) or hot oatmeal, and sometimes eggs and toast. Many cherished memories were made together as a family, and until 2005 when she and Roger began wintering in Homosassa, Florida, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were always celebrated in their home. In her free time, Rosie loved to crochet and made hundreds of afghans throughout the years, many of which are especially treasured. She liked a good game of bingo, particularly when she won, and loved shopping.. At home she liked playing solitaire on the computer, and reveled in times spent at the family farm with Sally. When it came to music, Elvis and Nat King Cole were at the top of her list, along with the Bells of St. Mary's, and Ma and Pa Kettle. Quite fittingly, her favorite flower was the red rose. During their retirement, Roger and Rosie enjoyed their time in Florida away from Michigan's harsh winters. They also took in some travel. They went on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean; spent time on St. Martins Island, Aruba, and toured the Canadian Rockies. One of their more memorable trips included a tour of Italy where they visited the Vatican City. No matter what Rosie did or loved to do, being surrounded by her grandchildren brought her the greatest joy. She loved each of them dearly, and whenever they visited, she always had a package of goodies waiting for them. Through good and happy times; hard and sorrowful times, Rosie remained ever faithful to her God. She lived her faith, and on more than one occasion, she quoted her lifelong belief, My faith has always gotten me through the difficult times." Although sadly missed, she will be long remembered in the hearts she touched in ways all her own. At the age of 75, Roselyn M. "Rosie" Green, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2012, at home with her family by her side. She is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 51 years, Roger Green; her son, Gregory (Rosanne) Green of Rochester Hills, and their children, Griffin and Olivia; daughter, Natalie (Christian) Steffke of Cedar, and their children, Ethan, Paige and Abigail; Rosies siblings, Ruth Ann (Gary) Wells of Big Rapids, Elizabeth (Harold) Howard of Homosassa, FL, Carolyn (Joseph) Battle of Paris, and David (Annette) Andres of Traverse City; and many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial for Rosie will be celebrated at 2:00 PM Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Tuesday from 7-9 PM, Wednesday from 3-9 PM with the Rosary at 7:30 PM, and visitation again Thursday at the church for one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice or to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.