Rose Mary Erusha

ROSE MARY ERUSHA

Cedar Rapids

Rose Mary Erusha, of Waukee, passed away March 28, 2017, from complications

of pancreatic cancer. At her request, there will be a private family visitation. Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, at 10 a.m. Monday.

Rose Mary was born

March 3, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Vernon E. and Rose Marie (Cosgrove) Erusha.

She is survived by her loving son, Jon F. Illian (Melissa); three grandchildren, Bryson, Elisebeth and Karsyn; three stepgrandchildren, Lukus, Dominik and Markus; siblings, Steve (Peg) Erusha, Pam (Sam) Johnson and David (Kathy) Erusha; three nieces; three nephews; and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Rose Mary was an Iowa State University graduate and a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and several auxiliary groups. She worked in Information Technology until retiring in 2003.

One of her greatest joys (beyond her family) was the opportunity she took after retirement to become a small business owner and to pursue her love of needlework. She was able to create a unique family/community environment at her needlework shop in Cedar Rapids, one that established a large network of lifelong friends. She also was involved with the Embroiders' Guild of American, PEO and many community-based activities.

Rose Mary wanted her family and friends to remember her as she was in life, rather than in death, and to live each day to the fullest. "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." (author unknown.)

In Rose Mary's memory, please support the cancer research group of your choice or the Iowa State University Foundation.

Please leave a message or tribute to Rose Mary's family on the web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.