Rosemary Ruth STELLO

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Rosemary Ruth (Cooley) Stello died Oct. 8, 2012, at the Hospice Care Center.

Born in Tacoma in 1948, Rosemary was the daughter of Charles Cooley, a U.S. soldier who served in Germany, and Ruth (Cooley) Randleman of Germany. Rosemary held special pride in her Jewish heritage, passed through her maternal grandfather who was subjected to a concentration camp and lost many family members during World War II. Several years ago, Rosemary enjoyed visiting Germany to see the land of her ancestors.

Rosemary moved to Longview as a toddler and lived the rest of her life here. She was married to her childhood and lifelong sweetheart Gerald "Butch" Stellofor 44 years. She often told others he spent all of their married life treating her like his queen.

Her family was her pride and joy. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Noelle Stello; a daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Dan "Todd" Colwell; and four grandchildren, Hailey Colwell, Jordan Stello, Joseph Colwell, and Tanner Stello. All are of Longview. Rosemary is also survived by a beloved former daughter-in-law, Margaret.

One of Rosemary's favorite things was talking with great pride about her son, a science teacher at Castle Rock High School, and her daughter, a social worker for the state. Rosemary had a deep love for all of her grandchildren, and a very special bond with her first grandchild, Hailey. Everyone remarked on how similar they were in so many ways.

Friendships were a special part of Rosemary's life. She often spoke of the ones she felt had greatly influenced her life. These included Buz, Nancy, Mary, Pat and Joanne. Her deepest heart friendship was with Suzanne Larson, whom she often referred to as her "soul twin."

Rosemary's first job was at St. Rose Parish, the church where she was baptized, grew up, received the Sacraments and was married. She worked at St. Rose for 12 years as director of religious education for preschool and elementary children. She also coordinated the preparation of children and their parents to receive the Sacraments. Rosemary developed and coordinated the first parish summer Bible school program and continued that program throughout her tenure at St. Rose.

While part of the pastoral staff at St. Rose, she and her husband Butch participated in a mission with the Northwest Medical Team to Mexico, where they traveled to Ayuca, a small village in the southern mountains. The team established a water system where the previous source was only a small pond for humans and animals to drink from and where residents did laundry. Rosemary often spoke of the life-changing experience she had there.

After St. Rose, Rosemary worked for Lower Columbia Mental Health Center as a counselor assistant and case manager. She worked in the Fountain House Clubhouse program, developed in New York City by individuals with mental illness to serve people with mental illness. This program has grown throughout the world, helping individuals integrate through meaningful employment and community integration. Rosemary enjoyed working with many local people to help them find and succeed in employment. It was important to Rosemary to continue to advocate, with her friend Suzanne, to keep this Clubhouse program in our community.

Rosemary's last employment was with Independent Associates, where she continued to provide vocational and support services to people with mental health issues and other disabilities. She loved this job and the people with whom she worked. She often spoke of the wonderful work environment provided by Helen Hill and Kathy O'Neal, who were not only her employers, but also her good friends.

In addition to her work and spending time with family and friends, Rosemary loved to journal, write poetry, cook and follow politics and world events. Rosemary had strong faith, opinions and beliefs and she strove to live them out in her daily life.

A private celebration of Rosemary's life will be held at Columbia Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, Rosemary's family requests donations be made to the Community House on Broadway or the Hospice Care Center in her name.