Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Please know how sorry I was to read about the passing of Rosemary. She was a wonderful neighbor in our Regency community before moving to Shannondell. She was a wonderful person to spend time with and I enjoyed her participation in our community and in our Thursday Morning book club.
However, my favorite time with Rosemary was when she expressed interest in our JUST Listening program; a special training to experience listening as an act of justice. Rosemary was quick to join our group of 'listeners' at St. Peter's church community kitchen where people gathered for lunchtime meals and socialization. Many of the lunchtime guests were homeless on living on the edge of poverty. Rosemary was so comfortable sitting down at a table and carefully engaging someone in a conversation. Our listening team is not present to solve problems or give advice. We listen to others and give them the experience of being heard. This may open them to discovering their own solutions in their journey. Phoenixville does offer opportunities for services and we would share that information with the guests. Rosemary was often sought out by some of the lunchtime regulars. She had a special gift for being present to an individual who just wanted to be heard.
I am sorry I've been out of touch with Rosemary since the pandemic and did not realize she was ill. Please know I send caring thoughts and prayers to the family at the loss of this remarkable woman.
Kathy Flaherty
