Rosemary L. Stephen

Rosemary Stephen, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 30, 1958, to Robert and Velda Holtgreive, Rosemary was the eldest of five children and grew up in a loving and close-knit family.

She attended St. Michaels and Central Catholic schools before graduating cum laude from Kent University in 1980 with a degree in art education. For over two decades, Rosemary shared her passion for art and learning as a dedicated teacher in the Plain Local School District, inspiring students at both the elementary and high school levels.

An accomplished artist and avid gardener, Rosemary's creativity knew no bounds. She was actively involved with the Massillon Museum of Art and the Canton Museum of Art's Museum to Go program, sharing her artistic talents with the community. Rosemary also found joy in reupholstering and refinishing furniture, wreath making, canning her own food, and immersing herself in nature. Whether painting, kayaking, hiking along the Erie Canal Towpath, reading, or spending peaceful moments at the family cabin, she embraced life's simple pleasures.

Her greatest love, however, was her family. Rosemary treasured her time spent with her husband, children, and five grandchildren and found immense joy in their company. She will be remembered for her warm spirit, her creativity, and the deep love she gave to all who knew her.

Rosemary is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Thomas Stephen; her daughter Emily (Jason) Lucking; her sons Evan (Rachel) Stephen and Elliott (Brittany) Stephen; and her adored grandchildren, Ella, Easton, Sienna, Madelyn, and Calvin.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank or the Massillon Museum in the name of Rosemary Stephen.

Visitation will begin on Friday, October 25, 2024  at 9:00 am and a mass service will follow at 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 3430 Michael Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718.

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