Obituary of Rosemary J. Shute

“Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always at our side”

                                                                              ALL SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATE.

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Rosemary J. “Rosie” Shute, age 83, of Billerica, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Lahey Hospital surrounded by her family after a courageous battle due to a fall. She was born in Medford, MA on March 21, 1938. Rosemary had a successful 30-year career at Sears in Burlington, MA where she worked in the catalog department and then, after completing police academy training, of which she was very proud, she enjoyed many years as Special Police on the Sears Loss Prevention team. Rosemary completed her working career at Crate and Barrel in Burlington where she flourished as a greeter, merchandiser, and assisting customers with bridal registry purchases.

Rosemary was born to a family of 11 children which included 4 sets of twins, of which she was one. She then went on to have 3 girls of her own whom she adored and who blessed her with 7 grandchildren. She certainly had plenty to love. Early in her marriage she and her husband Carl spent many evenings singing and playing the guitar for others. She never missed an opportunity to dance and spend time with family and friends who so often share stories of her wit, humor, and ability to make people laugh. Rosemary was always up for an adventure. She enjoyed summers at her home on Lake Winnisquam.

Rosemary leaves behind her three daughters, Christine E. Rose and husband Larry Rose of Chelmsford, MA; Kerri E. Tarpey of Wakefield, MA; Lori J. Carroll and husband Jay Carey of Billerica, MA and her grandchildren, Brian Rose, Kevin Tarpey, Stephanie Tarpey, Breanna Carroll, Eric Rose, Adam Tarpey, Ryan Tarpey, and her devoted sister, Judy Gurrie of Haverhill, MA. She is predeceased by her parents, David Gibbons and Evelyn (Koen) Gibbons of Lynnfield, MA, and by her 9 brothers and sisters. 

Rosemary’s family would like to express their appreciation to the Lahey Hospital teams of ER Trauma, Palliative Care, and Med/Surg 6-Central where she received exceptional care, treatment, and extraordinary compassion in the last week of her life.