Obituaries

Rosemary Dowling Smith, age 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.  

Born and raised in Chicago, Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Daniel and Mary Dowling; siblings, Cecelia (Bill) Fahey, Dorothy (Fred) Levora, and Daniel (Catherine) Dowling, Jr; and grandson, Nick Hanson.

Rosemary graduated from Aquinas High School. While at high school, Rosemary met Richard Smith and they married just two years later in 1958. Professionally, Rosemary pursued and completed her education at North Central College (Summa Cum Laude) with a degree in Business/Finance.  Her passion for education led her to help develop the Weekend College Program as Director of Continuing Education at North Central College, which encouraged busy professionals to acquire their college degrees.  Rosemary’s passion for helping people was only eclipsed by her love and devotion for her family. Rosemary had the unique ability to connect with everyone.  

Rosemary is survived by her children, Bob (Penny) Smith, Tim (Missy) Smith, Karen Krukiewicz, Kathy (Joe) Petit, Candace (Dave) Hanson, Kristen (Gerry) Joyce, Matt (Joanne) Smith. Rosemary was also blessed with 26 grandchildren: Jenny, Alex, Gregory, Max, Anastasia, Stephanie, Casey, Jake, Cam, Russ, Ellie, Maddie, Jack, Cole, Cal, Jeremy, Meredith, Nick, Ian, Keegan, Ryan, Hayden, Brendan, Cassidy, Kiera and Charlie; and soon-to-be 10 great grandchildren: Jonathan, Camille, Gia, Theia, Koa, Beckham, Roman, Sloane, and Jackson.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 3rd at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 West State Street, Geneva IL from 4pm-8pm. Visitation on Saturday, April 4th will begin at 10:30am followed by a prayer service. Interment at Prairie Cemetery on Crane Road, South Elgin, IL followed by a luncheon at Mio Modo, 200 South 2nd Street, St Charles, IL 60174.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hear the Cheers at chicagohearingsociety.org/donate-to-hear-the-cheers/

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