Rosemary C. Bagan

Romans 6:4 “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Rosemary Claudette Bagan entered the heavenly realm on September 23, 2024, one day after turning 88. She experienced her birthday in good spirits and enjoyed heartfelt conversations with loved ones throughout the day. Her faith-filled life undoubtedly sped her path to everlasting peace, and we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us from above. Rosemary was born with her twin sister Romaine to Antoinette and Mario Santucci in Chicago on September 22nd, 1936. She met Laurence Bagan at Western Electric where they both worked along with her father and other family members. After a brief courtship, they married on October 17th, 1959. Two weeks shy of 65 years together, Rosemary and Larry shared an unbreakable bond of love, raising five children: Larry, John, Brian, Jim, and Cheryl. Together, they built a family grounded in faith, love, and resilience. Raising their children was her devotion, and one way she expressed her love was through her delicious cooking. Stuffed peppers were always a hit – and when she made pasta the kids could not wait until dinner, having a piece of bread covered in her “gravy” right after school. Those who met Rosemary were charmed by her friendly, warm personality. At Marmion Academy (where her sons attended high school) she tailored student’s uniforms, worked in the bookstore, and served in the cafeteria. After her son’s graduated, she began working at the Coffee Drop Shop in St. Charles. Many customers enjoyed not just great coffee, but also her stylish presence, good stories and an attentive ear. Rosemary deeply loved her family, especially her grandchildren: Olivia, Juliette, Julia, Emily, Mariah, Colette, Camille, Natasha, Christianne, Marty, and Kylie. A devoted grandmother, she cherished in-person visits, prayed for them nightly, and sent timely birthday cards with loving messages. She even learned to text, emojis included, to stay connected. Undoubtedly, she will continue to watch over and pray for them from above. Matthew 6:3-4: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Rosemary’s kindness touched many lives, often in unseen ways, as she selflessly helped those in need when no one was watching. She devoutly attended Catholic Mass and prayed daily, but her life was the truest expression of her faith—through deeds, not just words. She was proud to be a Benedictine oblate, and regularly donated to faith-based and educational organizations. She also sponsored Guatemalan and other children in need. Psalm 91:11: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents Antoinette and Mario, and her twin sister Romaine. She is survived by her husband Larry, sister Patricia, brother Michael, her five children- Larry (Stacey), John (Sandy), Brian (Sara), Jim (Angel), Cheryl (Jim), eleven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services for Rosemary will be on Saturday October 5th at the Marmion Abbey Church, 850 Butterfield Rd, Aurora, IL 60502. Visitation will be held from 10-11am, followed by the funeral mass at 11am and a Celebration of Life luncheon to follow at Marmion’s Lux Dining Hall at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Rosemary would like many masses said for her soul. In addition, the family is in the process of establishing a fund to support students of Marmion in Rosemary’s honor.

Rosemary C. Bagan

September 22, 1936 - September 23, 2024