Shared Memories

A lady who opened her heart and her home after our acquaintance. Our paths in life crossed in 2006 during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

There are so many wonderful memories being around you Rosemary, I hope a few of these will create that little smile when I would walk in the front door and say the Iowa Bull is here. The day John and you handed me a key to your front door and said your welcome to stay anytime while in town shocked me, but I accepted. I said what is this horn picture on the key, they laughed and said have a seat. Just 2 hours later I was still be hammered learning about the Texas Longhorns University. Simply a brainwashing yearly on every visit.

But staying at the Compound came with a price. I thought I would just absorb Johns computer brain, but Rosemary had the “LIST”. The “LIST” were little chores around the property and house she would like done while I was staying there. Amazing the “LIST” was always placed at the breakfast table in the mornings. Only 2 people have ever noticed things get rolling and finished when I drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning. I would laugh when I noticed 2 Keurig coffee containers beside the machine filled full of water with my favorite coffee cup on the counter. One visit I tackled a 9-day tree trimming of the property. I came inside for a drink on the second day, and she asked what are you going to do with all the limbs you have cut. I smiled and said the deer and mother nature will eliminate the limbs. John was smiling then I told Rosemary you need to go to Home Depot and purchase me a tarp, and I'll show you a little technique to transport the limbs to a burn pile John and I had already discussed. She never came outside once to see my progress so when I was finished she walked out the front door and noticed one dead limb throughout the entire property I could not reach with the 30' latter. John gave me a shoulder hug and said I'll understand if you don't make it back to the Compound to visit. Rosemary looked at me and said great I will mark that chore off the list, and I was thinking the other night and added a few more. John laughed and said Mark, The “LIST” is never finished around here.

One year I noticed Christmas lights on the “list”, So while we were watching TV on the couch Rosemary mentioned the “list”. I said I had scanned it. Rosemary asked me if I noticed anything different. I said yes and you know it. There was that smile of Rosemary's, as I said there was a heart beside the Christmas lights along with small wording saying (you would hang them for mother). Dang she WON again! So every Turkey Day afternoon, I grabbed Scooter (the dogs) blanket and placed it in the yard while he watched me hang the lights. I purposely pulled out 3 bulbs where they park the van in the driveway to see if she would notice after they arrived home after dark. I met them both on the porch, I was so excited and guess what the first thing Rosemary said to me. Mark, are you teasing me or did you not notice a few bulbs not working? I grinned and said give me a hug. It became a yearly tradition to hang the Christmas lights which I actually loved.

I will always remember your daily updates on one of your favorite shows which was The Bold and the Beautiful. Who can forget our little banter when I would go to the kitchen and hear your voice, Mark, “since your in the right place at the right time" would you please bring me a drink or a snack while your there. We laughed for years when I wrote you a note beside your napping chair in the living room that said sorry you were asleep while I was in the kitchen. Next thing I noticed hours later was a text, when are you going to be back in the kitchen, yes it was Rosemary.

Our yearly runs to Whataburger, The Antler and The Alamo Cafe (my favorite)! Just think riding in the riders seat and not worrying about how close John is tailgating the car in front. I will tell you in a prayer the first time John is LATE now for an event who always put the blame on you. But I can tell you one thing John will miss your voice saying "Love you, later bye"!

You're free of pain, Love You Rosemary !!!

A beautiful soul has left this world, but the memories of her kindness, warmth and gentle spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her. I will always remember my cousin with love and gratitude for the many years we shared as family. She carried herself with grace, strength and compassion. Her presence brought comfort to many.

❤️

I grew up under the presence and love of Rosemary. What a beautiful mother to us all on Valley Point! So many memories and fun times. She taught us professionalism and I never realized it until later in life. ♥️

I met John and Rosemary through Joe and Cricket. Joe was the caller for Flying Squares and taught me to square dance in the fall of 1981 and then I join Cadence in the spring of 1982. John and Rosemary have become like family over the years and I have many memories I will always cherish.

One of my favorite memories of Rosemary is the first time I ever called. John was a guest caller for Cut-Ups and I asked him days before the dance if I could do a singing call at the dance. Just before I went up on stage I went and sat down by Rosemary. I pointed at my name badge and said, "Rosemary I'm not nervous am I?" as my name badge was bouncing off my chest showing how nervous I was. Rosemary's shocking response was, " OH my gosh!"

In 1993 Cadence went to Japan and John was not able to go. He asked me to help Rosemary with her bags through the airports. It was a pleasure being her personal baggage handler lol. We've had so many fun trips with John and Rosemary, some just short trip around San Antonio and the hill country to state and national square dances and Japan.

Thank you Rosemary for being a joyful part of my life, I will miss you greatly until the lord calls me home and I can see you again.

Rosemary was one of my first bosses when I arrived in San Antonio to marry my now husband Steven Potter. Of course, John was the one who hired/recruited me to work for them in their Enightlights (suncatcher) business and later in John's Russian Radiant (jewelry) business. But Rosemary was always there, showing me the ropes, looking beautiful, smiling, straightening displays, and talking (and talking) to the customers, and talking to friends who would stop by the booth, and talking to me. What a great role model. What a great friend. Steven, John and Rosemary were already great friends with a long history and I am so Thankful that I had the opportunity to help and work beside Rosemary and fit into their circle of friendship where we ate together, substituted with her at Bunco (she loved Bunco), and met at various functions that were important to all of us. She was a bright star in my life and she will be greatly missed. I Love you Rosemary Thompson and you will forever be in my heart ❤️.

Jan

I had the pleasure of meeting Rosemary in high school 60 years ago. I lost touch with her when I moved away, but reconnected with her when I retired and moved back to San Antonio and started attending our monthly high school luncheons, and working with her on our high school reunion committee. I will always remember her as a kind, sweet, and beautiful woman with a heart of gold.