Rosemarie “Rosie” Kemp – the very active and lively lady, was born to the late Leopold and Cecilia Rhamdas on March 26, 1932 in Belize City, Belize. Rosemarie graduated from Annette Private School where she completed Standard 6. Thereafter, she worked at Brody’s Department Store.
She married the first love of her life John Burgess. They produced three children: Vincent, Gloria and John Jr. (deceased). In her second marriage with Eric Kemp, she produced two more children: Judith and Douglas to make their family complete. 1n 1963 they migrated from Belize to New York for better opportunity and settled in South Ozone Park. She was a full time homemaker and part time housekeeper. Rosemarie was an active member at St. John’s Episcopal Church for many years. She was loved by her neighbors – both near and far and easily coined the nicknames “granny”, “granny Rosie” and Ms. Rosie.” She was the neighborhood grandma. In the Summer time you would always see her walking to the store, taking care of her plants and tending to her yard. During the winter months, she would use her talent of crocheting to make beautiful blankets and scarves for her friends and family. At family functions, you could always depend on her to make delicious milk cakes and her famous hot sandwiches.
Rosemarie is survived by her four children Vincent Burgess, Gloria Burgess, Judith Bevans, Douglas Kemp and son-in-law Mark Bevans Sr. Her siblings Pearl Rhamdas, Mary Williams and Frederick Rhamdas. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Rosemarie’s jovial spirit and her absolute favorite thing to do, dancing to Soca music, will certainly be missed by all the lives she touched.
Rest in Peace Our Dancing Queen
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