Rosemarie Mochel (nee Wilkas), aged 85 and a long-time resident of LaGrange, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 17th, surrounded by her family and listening to the words of Psalms 23.

Rosemarie was born in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. She excelled academically, becoming the valedictorian at Maria High School and later at the University of Illinois Pharmacy School in Chicago. It was during her time there that she met Marty Mochel, the love of her life, and they embarked on a wonderful journey together.

After their marriage, Marty and Rosemarie settled in La Grange, where they raised their four children and actively participated in the St. Cletus Parish community. Rosemarie was not only a devoted mother, leading Cub Scout troops and organizing field trips, but she was also actively involved as a singer in the Penance Choir and taught guitar to students.

Many friends from St. Cletus and LaGrange remember Rosemarie as their trusted pharmacist at the local Jewel Osco. She worked part-time there for many years, combining her knowledge of medicine with her gift for engaging conversations with everyone she met.

Rosemarie had several passions in life, including enjoying a good cup of coffee multiple times a day, playing bridge, watching movies of various genres, following South Korean soap operas, and regularly texting with her children and grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor, stayed updated on the latest stories and scandals from People Magazine, and always found joy in laughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Marty in 1996, and as a family, we find comfort in the knowledge that they are now reunited in heaven after a long separation.

Rosemarie is survived by her loving children: David (Peg), Steve (Laura), Paul (Galina), and Julie (Nathan) Cann. She will be greatly missed by her cherished grandchildren: Matt, Dan, and Pat, Harry, Cooper, Ava, and Jack, Samantha and Sydney, Josh and Justin. She is also a great-grandmother to Wells. Additionally, she leaves behind many Mochel and Wilkas cousins, and countless friends who knew her as Aunt Rosie.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, May 31st, at St. Cletus Church, located at 600 W. 55th Street in LaGrange. Following the mass, she will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. Funeral information: 708-352-6500

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rosemarie’s name to The Myositis Association (TMA) via their website: www.myositis.org