Rosemary Simpson, age 95, passed away on August 4, 2026, in Spokane. Rosemary and her twin sister Ramona were born in North Dakota. The young family moved to the Audubon Park neighborhood of Spokane, where her father set up his real estate practice. Rosemary met her husband Jim when he was a student at Gonzaga University and she was at nearby Holy Names College majoring in Art. After marrying in Spokane, the couple settled in California, where six of their eight children were born. In 1968 they moved back to Spokane, reuniting Rosemary with her mother and sister, who was also raising a large family and lived nearby. The kids attended Trinity Catholic School, Gonzaga Prep and Holy Names Academy, while Jim worked as Director of Real Estate for the city.

Rosemary devoted her life to family and faith. She believed in the power of prayer to aid and comfort, said the rosary daily, often with family members, and was a lifelong parishioner of Saint Anthony Catholic Church. She loved being a mother and grandmother, and showed by example how to honor and love others, guided by the golden rule.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband Jim, sister Ramona and her husband Emmett. She is survived by: her children, Barbara, James, Thomas, Marianne, David, Robert, Peter and Jeanne; 12 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her enduring kindness, humor and love.

A rosary will be held on Tuesday, August 11th at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Anthony Catholic Church followed by a funeral mass.