Mrs Rosemary Lynn Murad's Obituary
Rosemary, “Rosie” Murad passed away on April 13, 2013, surrounded by the love and support of family and friends. Rosie fought her battle with breast cancer with unyielding courage and bravery.
Rosie has left her mark on this earth by fulfilling many roles for many people. Her first role was that of a loving daughter to Violet and Wallace Myers. Rosie grew up on a farm in Highland which is where her love of the earth, animals and gardening were nurtured. Her second role was that of a sister to her brothers and sisters; Frank, Clinton, Richard, Antoinette, Joan, Kathy, Dandy, Shirley, Marilynn, Jeannie and Stephen. These relationships formed Rosie by preparing her for the world outside of the farm. Her family spent many summer weekends camping at the beach and as they all got older, these relationships developed into deep friendships as well. Rosie was a niece, and later an aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She was also a godmother to some of them.
Rosie’s next big role of girlfriend led to her 30 year marriage. Rosie met Wadsworth, “Wadie” Murad when they were both sophomores at San Gorgornio High School. Their love story is what legends are made of; Jr. and Sr. Proms, ice cream dates at Dairy Queen, Wadie helping with Rosie’s on the farm so she could go out, graduation and lots of fun and adventure as teenagers together. In her junior year, she was on the drill team and then as a senior she became a flag cheerleader.
After high school, Rosie’s next role was that of a student at Valley College where she earned her Associates of Arts Degree. Rosie was also a beauty queen by placing first runner up in the Miss San Bernardino Pageant. Rosie developed a keen interest in ceramics and attended Cal State San Bernardino studying this art form. Wadie was also in college preparing for his medical career, but he and Rosie found time to win doubles tennis tournaments and play team volleyball.
On July 17, 1982, Rosie and Wadie were married at St. Adelaide’s Church in Highland. Now she was in the role of wife. She added the roles of daughter-in-law and sister-in-law. Six more brothers and sisters were added to Rosie’s sibling list and those friendships flourished over the years with this large and dynamic family.
Wadie’s medical education took him and Rosie to several different locations including Highland and Upland. During this time, the role of mother became Rosie’s priority. Paul was born in 1983; Patrick in 1986, and then Sean in 1988. In 1990, Rosie and Wadie moved to Iowa to further Wadie’s medical career and education. This was a grand 3 year adventure for the family. Rosie was supporting Wadie’s career, raising 3 young boys and found the time to become an entrepreneur by opening Uniquely Yours, a consignment shop for crafters. Rosie loved this venture and was able to further her love of ceramics by creating magnificent items for the shop. Rosie and Wadie spent hours combing and picking through antique stores. They found an antique bell that they donated to their church. At one point early in this adventure, the family was living at a campground in a motor home. This was an incredibly happy time as Rosie was living her dreams of raising her children and camping full time. In 1992, Rosie discovered she was pregnant again and although the plan was to stay in Iowa, they found themselves back in California in time for the birth of Heather in April 1992.
After a short time back in California, an opportunity presented itself to Rosie and
Wadie relocated to Elko, Nevada, where they stayed for 7 years. Rosie helped run Wadie’s private practice as an office manager. This was during a time when she became even more immersed in the children’s activities; she was a soccer coach and soccer mom, went camping, was active in the church and discovered that she loved riding quads. Rosie had the opportunity to study with renowned ceramic artist, Dennis Parks at the Tuscarora Pottery School. Her talent and skill with ceramics increased and she created many beautiful pieces. The role of artisan was a source of great pride and accomplishment for Rosie.
While living in Elko, Rosie and Wadie took a trip to Los Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and fell in love with this magnificent destination. They had many amazing vacations there, both with and without the kids. Rosie and Wadie went to Jamaica also, thus the role of traveler was born.
Family necessity required Rosie and Wadie to move back to California. Once settled back in Highland, Rosie once again immersed herself into the children’s activities. She also performed a great deal of work in the family rental properties by rebuilding and rehabilitating them. Rosie planted grass and gardens on these properties, creating beauty for those who rented there.
In her role as a gardener, Rosie planted a vegetable garden every year. She became a dancer when she and Wadie took lessons at Arthur Murray. Rosie became a stained-glass artist through her classes in San Bernardino. She was cheer mom for Heather’s cheer squad. Rosie became a quad rider in Glamis and was a rafter and boat driver at The River. Rosie was doggie-mom to her beloved Pomeranian, Cookie , and then doggie-grandma to all of Cookie’s puppies.
Rosie was a special and amazing friend to so many people. She taught life lessons so she was a teacher. Rosie defended her children, so she was a champion. She had faith in God, so she was a believer. She was worshiped by her husband, so she was his queen. Rosie adored him right back, so she was an incredible life-partner. Rosie fiercely fought the disease so she was a warrior. She never complained, so Rosie was a saint.
On July 7, 2012, Rosie and Wadie celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary. Wadie, along with Paul, Patrick, Sean and Heather, genuinely surprised Rosie with an extraordinary vow renewal ceremony on the beach in Cabo. This trip, filled with love, laughter and margaritas, was the blessing of a lifetime for this family.
So now our Rosie has a dash between her years . . . a line that has brought so many, many tears. She would tell us that what matters most are all those roles she played, and if it had been up to her, she certainly would have stayed.
Rest In Paradise, Rosie!
What’s your fondest memory of Rosemary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rosemary?
Share a story where Rosemary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rosemary you’ll never forget.
How did Rosemary make you smile?
