Rosemary Hunley de Graauw, 89, passed into eternal life on October 28, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jacques “Jack” de Graauw, infant son, Matthew; parents, Albert and Vivian Hunley; sisters, Helen Glaser Yates, Ann Bledsoe; brothers, Lawrence, Danny and Paul Hunley. She is survived by her loving and devoted children: Julie (Keith) York, Mike (Rhonda) de Graauw, Mark (Laura) de Graauw, Jay de Graauw and Joe (Jill) de Graauw. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Justin (Stephanie), Jeff (Lauren), Kristen, Ashli (Stewart), T.C. (Celeste), Jack (Emily), Michelle (Walker), Rachel, Bryanna, Jared, Kaitlyn (Jay) and Cooper. 12 great grandchildren also survive her. She is also survived by her sister, Cecelia Marchesi, as well as devoted brothers- and sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins who were all very dear to her.
Rosemary was born on September 29, 1936, and was raised in historic Germantown of Nashville. She attended Assumption school and St. Cecelia High School graduating in 1954. She then attended the University of Tennessee, graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Knoxville as a RN.
She was proudly employed at St. Thomas Hospital for 43 years. She then worked for Catholic Charities Adult Day Program caring for the elderly for 17 years.
She was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Edward Parish since 1958 where she made many friends that made her life so special.
She was an active member of the Ladies of Charity and the Nifty Fifties.
Rosemary’s greatest joys were her grandchildren and attending their school activities and ballgames. She enjoyed cooking meals for family gatherings, baking special birthday cakes for the grandchildren and making blankets to give to the elderly.
Rosemary loved and lived a life of service in the end she could say, “Lord, I hope I’ve done my best.”
Rosemary’s family would like to thank the staff of Mary the Queen of Angels Assisted Living, St. Thomas West Hospital and NHC Cool Springs for the love and care that was provided to her.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Edward School and/or Ladies of Charity.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Ahn Tuan Phan on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 188 Thompson Lane. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Grandsons Justin, Jeff, Jared, Jack, Cooper de Graauw and T.C. Jay will serve as Pallbearers.
Visitation on Monday, November 3, 2025, will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road, 615-331-1952.
This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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