Rosemarie A. (Cerqua) Culkeen, a longtime Newton resident, passed peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was one month shy of her 100th birthday.

​

Rosemarie was predeceased by her devoted husband William "Billy" and their beloved daughter Joanne. She outlived her brothers and sister.

 

As a young woman, she worked in retail at Gilchrist in Boston and worked part-time in various occupations while raising her family. She was a member of St. Bernard Church in West Newton where she sang in the choir.

 

Rosemarie was artistic, loved spending time with family and travelling with her husband. She spent her later years at the Scandinavian Living Center where she participated in Art, Exercise and Singing classes, and was known for her sense of humor and singing in the halls.

​

She leaves behind her daughters, Jeanmarie Lawson and her husband Timothy of Natick, Janet McManus and her husband Michael of Norwood, and four precious grandchildren: William Lawson and wife Tricia, Heather Lawson, Elizabeth Donovan and John Donovan. And five great-grandsons: Parker, Cole, Thomas, Troy and Tyler. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 

Visitation on Friday, May 22 at 9:30am in the rear of Our Lady's Church, 573 Washington St, Newton, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am. After the church service, she will be buried at Newton Cemetery.