Rosalie A. Blackett

Rosalie Alice Blackett, age 87, passed away in the early morning on Friday, January 11, 2019, in her apartment at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village, in Gaylord, MI. Her three children were at her side. She left this world peacefully and knowing she was deeply loved by her family and friends, and those whom she treasured at Aspen Ridge.

Rosalie was born February 6, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Norman and Elizabeth (Sisko) VanKoughnett. She attended grade school in Washington, Michigan and Romeo. She was a 1948 graduate of Romeo High School, and on November 6, 1948, she married Marvin K. Blackett, also of Romeo. Together they owned and operated the Marv Blackett Romeo Florist on South Main Street from 1948 to 1982. Rosalie enjoyed helping customers choose the perfect flowers for weddings, proms and special occasions. With Marv, Rosalie took much pleasure in bringing happiness and comfort to their many customers through the beauty of flowers.

Also during her time in Romeo, Rosalie was very active in the community and her church. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her faith in God was strong and she willingly gave of her talents and time to St. John Lutheran Church where she loved singing in the choir, teaching children in Sunday and vacation bible school, playing piano for the choir, serving on committees, and helping during many church banquets, picnics and potlucks.

After retiring from their florist shop business, Rosalie and Marv traveled the U.S. before deciding to build their dream retirement home on Lake Lancelot in Sugar Springs (Gladwin, Michigan). They spent 21 wonderful years together there entertaining family, neighbors and friends, and making new friends, especially at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Gladwin. In 2013, Rosalie and Marv moved to Gaylord, Michigan where they were cared for by daughter Barbara and her husband Jim. After recovering from a serious illness and needing assisted care, Rosalie was moved into her own apartment at Aspen Ridge in late December, 2015.

Rosalie was well known for her outgoing personality, laughter and smiles. She was a positive, kind and loving person who enjoyed sharing laughs with family and friends. In her spare time, she loved spending time with family, friends and neighbors, cooking delicious meals, playing cards and games, solving puzzles, watching football games and parades on TV, boating on the lake, and relaxing with her cats. She also was an avid nature and animal lover.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her mother and father, brothers Norm (Jean) VanKoughnett and Bert (Nancy) VanKoughnett, and sister Pat Hall, and her beloved husband Marv, of 64 years. She is survived by a son, Norman “Scott” Blackett, a grandson, Adam Blackett, twin daughters Barbara (James) Kurbel and Debra (Kent) Uygur, and several nieces and nephews.

Scott, Barbara and Jim, and Debra and Kent would like to thank the Aspen Ridge staff for their excellent care of Mom over the past 3 years. In their care, she lived her final years in comfort, safety, companionship and love. She often would say how blessed she was to be there and how she greatly appreciated the many times family and friends would come visit. Our utmost gratitude also goes to Hospice of Michigan for their compassionate care, understanding, and comfort when all of us needed it most during her last few days.

In keeping with Rosalie's wishes, cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Romeo, MI at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 27, 2019.  Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM and a luncheon will follow the service at 12:00 noon.   Arrangements were handled by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 850 North Center Avenue in Gaylord. Please share your memories or personal messages with the family online at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com.