Livonia: Sally Elizabeth (Owen) Rosicka peacefully departed this world on Monday, January 1, 2024 at the age of 84. Sally is predeceased by her husband, Joseph Rosicka and parents Thomas and Margery Owen. She is survived by her sister; Virginia (Alphonse) Philippy, children; Thomas (Donna) Rosicka, Daniel (Whitney) Rosicka, Joseph Rosicka lll, Rhiannon (David) McDevitt, and Sarah (Thomas) Thorjusen. She is also remembered fondly by her 7 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Born in Rochester, NY in 1939, Sally graduated from Rush Henrietta Central High School in 1956. She was an active Girl Scout and 4-H member, earning accolades for her exceptional skills in baking and sewing. She then went on to attend Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where she was a proud member of Chi Omega Sorority. Sally graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960.
During her senior year at Wittenburg University, she met her future husband and love of her life, Joseph. They were married shortly thereafter in St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua, NY. Sally and Joe returned to Springfield, Ohio where she lived for 20+ years, raising her children and aided her husband in the running of the family paving business, Springfield Blacktop. She was a devoted mother, supporting all her children’s interests or activities and staunchly encouraged her children, never missing a game, concert or event. Sally greatly treasured her time with her grandchildren later in her years.
Sally and family returned to New York in the early 1980’s. Sally and Joe’s marriage was a testament to enduring love, lasting almost 40 years until Joe’s passing in 2000.
For more than 20 years, Sally worked for Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Service Office. She held various roles during her tenure there always serving with great compassion and great care. Incredibly intelligent, informed and multi-talented, Sally was an avid reader and frequent patron of local libraries. She was a skilled seamstress, cook, baker and gardener. Her green thumb could bring any plant back to life and all plants thrived from her attention.
Sally’s kind heart, selflessness, humility and quirky humor touched many lives. Many will remember Sally for her kindness and the way she naturally put people at ease in her company. She was an uncommonly strong woman who was fiercely devoted to her husband and their five children. Her legacy continues in the memories we hold and the example she set with her infinite patience and consideration for others.
While her passing brings sorrow, the knowledge that she is now at peace with God provides solace to those who mourn her departure. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word” Thess. 2:16
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Honeoye Public Library, 8708 Main St. Honeoye, NY 14471. Arrangements were made by the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia, NY 14487. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Tom and Donna,
So sorry to read of the passing of your mother. Sending sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
I always loved spending time with Sally . She was beyond patient, kind and funny. A great leader and a kind, quiet soul. Rest in peace .
I worked with Sally in Canandaigua (for the developmentally disabled) a number of years. She certainly held her family dear and vitally important to her in all respects; a solid mother, grandmother and (I am sure) great grandmother indeed. .Definitely a kind, caring and intelligent woman who did enjoy a good laugh. As certain as she will be missed, I am also certain that she has left a lasting legacy on those whose lives she touched. I will miss the post retirement lunches we could occasionally gather to reminisce and catch up and laugh some more. It is no wonder to me that I have had her in mind the past few months but could not reach her the old ways I had tried. Peace and comfort all around-
My heartfelt sympathy to Sally’s family. I have such fond memories of her when she lived on Wesley road in West Bloomfield. A true blessing to all. Sending love and prayers
Dawn Good
Sally was a very nice person. I worked with Sally for a number of years, and even after she retired, I meet her for lunch with our friend Jeannine. So, sorry to hear of her lost. Heaven had another Angel.
I worked for her parents on their farm in the mid sixties, Sally, Ginny and their families were the pride of Tom and Marge. Thoughts and condolences to the family
Sally and I were classmates throughout high school.
I remember her quiet peaceful demeanor with great fondness.
My dear childhood friend Sally Have tried to find where she was in recent years . My husband John David passed away on Dec 5 2023 and they were both from R – H Class of 1956 . Oh my too many losses of loved ones . I loved Sally. She was always calm and on the right path and loved to talk about her family (and the littles in her life. May she rest in piece. Mary Ann David
Beautiful tribute to a very kind person. RIP, Sally.
I remember Sally, Joe and their children from my time working at her parent’s Tomaron Farm in West Bloomfield back in the early 1970s. My condolences to the family.
Joe sorry about your lost of your mother
Sally was truly a wonderful person. I learned a lot from her in regards to politics and gardening. She was a wonderful grandmother to our daughter, Bella. It makes me happy to know that she is at peace and reunited with her husband in heaven. Sally was one of a kind and will definitely be missed. It feels good to know that Bella will now always have an angel watching over her from above.