Virginia Beach—Rosemarie Simone Blais (nee Verboncoeur) died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at her home in Virginia Beach after battling cancer for many years. She was 72.
Born in Windecken, Germany Jan. 18, 1940 and moved to the United States in 1948. In her adult life, Rosemarie worked at Sentara Healthcare for 26 years before retiring in 2006. She was known as a hard and dedicated worker, as well as a team player, eager to help a patient or co-worker in need. In 2003, Rosemarie was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal Cancer. In the face of a devastating illness, she fought with fortitude and grace, refusing to let the cancer define her. She was admired by all for her perseverance and tenacity. Rosemarie nurtured many friendships lasting several decades. Rosemarie was preceded in death by her father Gerard Verboncoeur and her husband of 38 years, Paul Blais.
She is survived by her mother Anna Verboncoeur and her children, David Blais and his wife Pam, and Linda Rosenwald and her husband Jason; her sister, Elfride Peterson and her husband John and their five children; her bother Carl Verboncoeur, his wife Lynn, and his two children. She also leaves behind six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren, Gilly and Sarah Blais, Laura Hawkins, Taylor Sanchez, Kylie and Carter Rosenwald, and her great grandchildren, Justin and Alexia Hawkins. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, she loved them dearly and they knew it. She was known as “Schatzi” (sweetheart in German), Mom, Auntie Rosie, and Oma. She will be missed dearly and will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her, forever.
Condolences may offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.