Taught in Woburn Public Schools

 Published in the November 19, 2015 edition

MELROSE — Rosemarie S. (Costanza) Johnson, 73, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by the loving care of her family on Monday, Nov. 9.

Rosemarie was born in Everett on Sept. 23, 1942. She was one of three children of the late Alfred P. and Rose (Nicolosi) Costanza. She was raised and educated in Woburn, graduating from Woburn High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and her master’s degree in education from Simmons College. Rosemarie was a lifelong educator who inspired her students through her enthusiasm for learning and loving, supportive nature. She worked for the Woburn school system for 40 years, spending the majority of her career at the Reeves School teaching first and second grade.

Rosemarie simply loved being in education and dedicated her working life to the growth of her young students. Well known as a favorite teacher, her students responded to her patience, warm heart and obvious care for her students. Her impact on Woburn Schools was felt in the classroom and with the many fellow teachers and friends who she continued meeting for lunches and outings into her retirement.

Rosemarie shared her innate kindness and love with those around her. She loved her family fiercely and without condition. She was devoted to her parents throughout their lives and cared for each of them as they grew older. Her grandchildren brought her so much joy, she enjoyed every minute with them. She was also devoted friend with several dear, lifelong friendships.

Hardworking and strong, Rosemarie raised her two daughters independently. She loved the arts, enjoyed crafts with her sister Norma in her younger days and was a lifelong reader. She loved making her family laugh with her quirky sense of humor and always enjoyed family dinners. Throughout her life, she shared a love of music and theater with her daughters as a member of the North Shore Music Theater for several decades and attended Boston area musicals and Broadway plays. A parishioner of St. Mary Church for many years, Rosemarie kept her inner faith close to her heart. Above all else, she cherished anytime spent with family especially being surrounded by her four granddaughters.

Rosemarie was the beloved mother of Cheryl L. Carr of North Reading and Christie M. Martin and her husband James of Bedford. She was the dear sister of Norma S. Johnson and her husband Paul of Medford and Alfred A. Costanza and his wife Neuma of Lowell. She was the cherished grandmother of Amanda and Ashley Carr and Vivian and Ella Martin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Rosemarie’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Nov. 13, and again on Saturday, Nov. 14 before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose for her funeral Mass. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. If you wish, donations in memory of Rosemarie can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York NY 10163. For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.