Obituary: Rosemary V. (Verzole) Garretson, 92, of Watertown

ROSEMARY'S OBITUARY courtesy of The Hickcox Funeral Home

WATERTOWN - Rosemary V. (Verzole) Garretson, 92, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2021 at her home. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, Robert; her parents, Dennis and Marjory Verzole; her brothers, Louis, Dennis, William and Bernard; and her sisters, Elizabeth and Thelma.

Rosemary was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. Shortly after marrying in 1949, the newlyweds moved to New Hartford, NY, where their two sons, Bill and Mike were born. Within a few years, Bob’s work brought them first to Long Island, and then in 1972 to Watertown. It was in Watertown that she rekindled her passion for painting in both oils and watercolors. She and Bob also volunteered at the Thomaston Opera House and Waterbury Hospital. She enjoyed sharing her artwork at the hospital, and spent hours knitting caps for the newborns in the nursery.

Rosemary is survived by her sons, William Garretson and his wife, Elaine, of Thomaston; and Michael Garretson and his wife, Rita, of Sugarland, TX; her grandchildren, James “Zack” Garretson, of Canaan; Chelsea (Matt) Ross, of Avon; Catherine (Jim) Bilnoski, of Tacoma, WA; Michael “Em” Garretson, of Houston, TX; Jeremy Vermette (Lisa Chapin), of Middletown; and Aaron Spencer (Brienna Reitmayr), of Bristol. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Nola Ross, Pax Ross, Moriah Vermette (Aaron Caviasca), Nevya Vermette, and Audrey Spencer; as well as great great granddaughter, Kennedy Caviasca. In addition, she leaves her sister, Marjory Donovan, of Syracuse, NY; her brother, John “Doug” Verzole and his wife, Josephine, of Canastota, NY; her sisters-in-law, Ruth Fralick, of Naples, FL; and Louise Flegal, of Baldwinsville, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Rosemary’s compassionate caregivers: Alex, Mayra, Hazel, Rachel, Mary, Patricia, Melissa, Pam and Jean; and are also grateful for the care provided by Dr. Yuliya Riat and the staff at Season’s Hospice: Nechama, Jackie and Jennifer.

There will be no calling hours, and due to COVID a private memorial gathering will be held at a later date. The Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St., Watertown, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Donations may be made in Rosemary’s name to: Partnership for Strong Communities, PO Box 604, Windsor, CT 06095 or online @ www.pschousing.org.