Rosemary Shaughnessy April 7, 1935 - April 16, 2024

Rosemary Elizabeth Shaughnessy

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church and resting in the Arms of the Holy Family, died on April 16, 2024.

Beloved wife of Joseph Francis Shaughnessy, dear mother of seven, Ellen (Selden) Martin, Anne (Jerry) Carlson, Paul (Laura) Shaughnessy, Arzy (Joe) Harlan, Jim (Karen) Shaughnessy, Rev. Dan Shaughnessy, and Mary (Weller) Meyer.  Dear grandmother of Bobby (Lisa), Jack (fiancé Lauren), Charlie (Lauren), Grace, and Thomas Martin; Joe (Ellen), Kate, Ellen, and Mary Carlson; Caroline (Nick) Rosa, Annie (Todd) Jacks, Joe III (Ali) and Kathleen Shaughnessy; Nick (Glynis), John, Andrew, and Catherine Harlan; Owen and  Gerard Shaughnessy; and Elizabeth and Weller Meyer III.  Dear great-grandmother of Emma, Lila, Beau and Miles Martin; Maria, Eliza, Josephine, Frances, and Nicolas Rosa; and Joseph Shaughnessy IV.  Dear sister of Kathy (Phil) Wells and the late James (Sarah survives) Eck.  Dear daughter-in-law of the late Joseph and Lois Shaughnessy, dear sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend.

Rosemary Eck was born in Springfield, Illinois, April 7, 1935, the oldest of three children, to Robert and Catherine (Quinn) Eck.  Rosemary attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Ursuline Academy, and Marquette University, before graduating from Saint Louis University in 1957.  There she met her future husband, also from Springfield, Joseph Shaughnessy, in the Fall of 1956.

Joe and Rosemary were married December 28, 1957, and she began her married life as a Navy wife on Guam. They returned to the Midwest in 1961 with their first three children and made St. Louis their permanent home in 1963.  Joe began his career in the St. Louis construction industry while Rosemary raised their family. They became members of St. Monica parish welcoming four more children. Although each of them was focused on the job in front of them, they had a true partnership. Rosemary was always a quiet source of strength to Joe in his construction career, especially when he co-founded BSI Constructors in 1972.

Joe and Rosemary moved to the Central West End in 1982, becoming members of St. Roch Parish where they remained active for 40 years. She loved her frequent trips to the Missouri Botanical Garden which inspired her as she spent countless hours cultivating her own garden. She loved living near Forest Park and enjoyed all its amenities. With their active engagement in the institutions within Forest Park, Rosemary and Joe were honored with the Leffingwell Society and the Thomas Jefferson Awards.

In 1999, Joe and Rosemary began to spend their winters in Naples, Florida becoming active members of St. Ann’s parish, through which they formed many new friendships and created lifelong memories. They were happiest while hosting a steady stream of visitors including their children, grandchildren, and guests.

In recognition of their lifelong support of St. Louis University, Joe and Rosemary received honorary Doctorates in 2007. Rosemary was also a member of the Order of the Holy Sepluchre, The Knights of Malta, and The Papal Foundation. Throughout her life she was generous in supporting many charitable causes.

Rosemary’s favorite roles were wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and daughter.  Her presence could be described as serene.  If she was aware of someone experiencing a hardship, she prayed for them with fervor and unwavering faith. She was the cornerstone of the family, exemplified by her commitment to daily Mass, daily rosary, and a devout prayer life. Rosemary had a particular devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Faustina Kowalska, and St. Teresa of Calcutta.

Rosemary had a love of travel and was able to bring her faith to life by visiting The Holy Land, The Vatican, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, and other Marian shrines throughout the world. However, she was happiest being surrounded by her family.

Our dear wife and mother is now enjoying her Eternal Reward which she longed for every day of her earthly life. We will miss her until we meet again.

Services:  Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.  Visitation Monday, April 22, 2024 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Cathedral.  Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10 a.m.  Cathedral Livestream:  https://cathedralstl.org/liturgy-sacraments/livestream  Interment Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please offer Masses or provide donations to the Mother of Good Counsel Home, where she was lovingly cared for in the last years of her life by many wonderful Mission Partners and the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George.