Rosemary J. Nyahay

Rosemary J. Nyahay - Born December 5th, 1947, in our Nation’s Capital, Washington DC. Daughter of the late Army Officer, Lt. Col. Emanuel Joseph Barattino, and his beautiful wife, Anita Bernadette Giordanella Barattino, and big sister to Dr. Lt Col., William Barattino. A world traveler by 5 years old, and kept it going throughout her life, living in: Germany, California, Chicago, Maryland, Long Island, Yonkers, South Florida, and Ohio (maybe even more…) until she entered her permanent address, Heaven, on May 6th, 2024, at 5:37 pm, surrounded by family. Heaven stormed in at 10:08 am that morning, power went out, alarms went off, Jesus, Mary, Zyla, her parents and all of Heaven came for Rosemary, who received, not one, but two Apostolic Pardons in her lifetime. Her suffering was heavenly enhanced due to her enormous-sensitive heart, and the amount of love that poured through her, was too much for her earthly heart to handle. Rosemary Jean Barattino Nyahay is a Modern Day Saint, in the Society of Victim Souls, just like her granddaughter, Zyla Faustina Pelagia Nyahay, who entered Heaven on June 28th, 2023 at 10:48 am. Sagittariuses are storming Heaven. Rosemary met the love of her life in Sears in 1964, Dr. Edward Francis Nyahay, and they both immediately knew this was the person I’d like to marry. When Rosemary went home that day, she informed her mother, “I met a man, and I want to marry someone just like him.” As fate would have it, Anita, (who at the time oversaw the Draft Board in Yonkers) Rosemary’s Mother - signed Edward’s draft card, 7 years before they met! Flash forward - - While attending college at Mount Saint Vincent, Rosemary looked forward to Edward sneaking visits from Manhattan College. They would meet at the cafeteria for coffee, laughter, and classmate comradery. After Rosemary graduated with her bachelor’s degree in English, Edward and Rosemary got married on August 9th, 1969. They spent two weeks exploring the islands of Hawaii and wasted no time creating their first offspring, Carrie Ann born on May 13th. Rosemary’s Resurrection Mass is on Carrie’s 54th birthday, and Rosemary will be laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery on May 21st, 2024, her Dad’s 105th birthday. Family meant everything to Rosemary, even beyond the grave into eternal life. Three years after their firstborn, Rosemary gave birth to their only son, Edward Francis Nyahay Jr., born into this world on March 2nd, 1973 (The Year of The Exorcist and Jesus Christ Superstar), in Yonkers, New York; and yes, Rosemary’s baby was there at the time of her earthly exit, guiding her soul, back home to Heaven, where she is now in celebration with all of her ancestors and loved ones, preparing an even greater Mansion for those to follow. As Rosemary’s life story unfolded, she and Edward had another little Saint enter Heaven, Gabriella Nyahay, who never made it full term, but was their little cherub guardian angel throughout their lives. Their final offspring flew in on January 29th, 1978, Christy Anita Lawson Barattino Nyahay (Christy is not sure why she has so many names, so we just go with it), in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Christy was their little songbird, as they would say “She woke up with a song on her lips to greet the day.” Edward and Rosemary were at a point in their lives where they were raising a beautiful creative family, sending their children to parochial schools, and encouraging their extracurricular activities. Rosemary managed to make every moment a unique adventure, followed by her famous infectious laugh. Their daily lives revolved around All Saints Catholic Church in Sunrise Florida, where Rosemary’s parents, aunts, and uncles would attend daily mass, and celebrate weddings, and baptisms as new family members arrived. No matter where Rosemary lived, she found her community of friends among the local churches, and loved forming prayer groups at her home. These encounters led her to international travels once again, to be part of a pilgrimage, to witness the miracles of the Blessed Mother in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. Rosemary took her love and passion for the English language to new heights when she truly became the best Educator this world has ever seen. For 25 years she educated the youth in New York and Florida. She taught thousands of students the English Language, including her three children, whether they wanted to be in her class or not, while at St. Helen’s Catholic School. Rosemary followed Christy to St. Thomas Aquinas High School and even taught Religion there for a year. Rosemary retired from her educational career at Coconut Creek High School, once all her little ducklings graduated from the academic system. Many of her students to this day are grateful for her warm heart and soul, and the wisdom she instilled in them. No matter where Rosemary laid her head, she made it home. Due to her contagious laughter, pure heart, and hospitable spirit, family members and friends, as if Rosemary were a magnet, attracted everyone to her. She was a living breathing entity of love and light; Christmas by far, was her favorite holiday of the year. You never once walked into Rosemary’s home on Christmas and did not receive a gift. Whether you were a stranger or a family member, she welcomed everyone with love. Every year, her winter-wonderland home was something to look forward to, no matter where you were in the country, we all went home; home is Rosemary’s heart. Rosemary’s devotion to Christ grew throughout the years, as she and Edward found themselves serving the St. John Chrysostom community, through bake sales, and playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus, bringing the St. Nicholas of Myra Icon to life. Rosemary’s children got married and her family started to grow. All referred to her as “Mom”. Carrie married Jason, Edward married Jacqueline and Christy married Michael. Rosemary’s role as “Mother” now expanded to that of “Grammy” or “Queen Grammy Rosie.” She poured her heart and soul into her 7 grandchildren, who instantly became the light in her eyes. Rosemary was even blessed with the honorary title of Great-Grandmother, to Aleia, sharing beautiful memories with her for two years, and most recently, welcoming her newest member of the family, great-grandson, Cassian, into this world. Rosemary’s Grandchildren: Alina, Carina, Kristina, Andrew (children of Carrie and Jason); Zyla (daughter of Edward and Jacqueline); Landon, Zachary (sons of Christy and Michael). Rosemary’s Great-Grandchildren: Aleia (daughter of Carina); Cassian (son of Alina and Dylan). Our family dynamic consisted of late-night pow-wows over cheese, chocolate, ice cream, and coffee, as Rosemary was brought up to date on the latest sagas, interjecting her sense of humor, with honesty and truth. Her soul emulated with compassion and wisdom even up through her final moments. Rosemary faced many adversities in her health, towards the end of her earthly life, but she never allowed that to shake her faith. Her pain and suffering were given to Christ where she found console, and as Rosemary drew near to Him, praising Him, worshipping Him, her sufferings, deemed manageable, as you can see the joy in her eyes, knowing she soon will be among the Beatific Vision. Anyone who knows Rosemary loves Rosemary. She is a pillar of light in this darkened world. As she worships in Heaven, may her love, light, and prayers be a guiding light for your own lives. May her spirit forever reign in all that is good. May she be a representation of what a true child of God looks like, a heavenly Saint on earth. May Rosemary stand with her ancestors and loved ones in Heaven, and may she shine forth the light of Christ in your heart.

Rosemary J. Nyahay

December 5, 1947 - May 6, 2024