Rosemary Lanham Fessenden
Born on June 10, 1924 in New Orleans, LouisianaDeparted March 21, 2023 in Melbourne, Florida
Rosemary Lanham Fessenden, aged 98 passed away peacefully at home on March 21st, 2023. Rosemary was born on June 10th, 1924, in New Orleans LA, the daughter of John Walter Lanham and his wife Bertha McNiff. She married Ersel Mial Fessenden Jr in Miami Florida on the 20th of June 1944. They had three children: Richard Mial Fessenden (Genevieve), Kenneth Douglas Fessenden (Judy) and Carol Ann Fessenden Tucker (Doug).
Rosemary lived a full life, and she enjoyed every minute of it. She was an avid bowler and won many trophies with her Texas bowling league. She loved to garden and showed the touch of the Master’s hand. Her zest and deep appreciation for the outdoors took her far afield, often camping under the stars, hunting Deer, Antelope and Quail with her husband Mial. Needlepoint was another passion that she excelled in, and no one was ever short of a beautifully decorated Christmas stocking to be hung in anxious anticipation of the season’s joy. Rosemary was always eager to lend a helping hand. When anyone in the family needed assistance, short or long term, she was there. She also was very involved in aiding her grandchildren and great grandchildren in receiving a good education. Too, she financially helped her family in many other ways. When there was a need, Rosemary was first in line.
After many years of slow decline, Rosemary had become bedridden for only a few days before going to our only true home. She quietly passed through the veil at her daughter’s house on Tuesday, March 21st, going out of our arms and into those of her Lord.
Rosemary is survived by her brother Lawrence Francis Lanham (Myrna) of Palm Bay Florida, son Ken Fessenden of Tulsa Oklahoma, daughter Carol Tucker of Melbourne Florida; grandsons John Paul Fessenden (Susan), Richard Mial Fessenden Jr, Eric Douglas Fessenden (Lisa), Jerry Wayne Beare Jr (Lupita) and Chad Andrew Tucker (Tiffany); granddaughters, Susan Alexander (Phillip), Laura Hardy (Kevin), Lisa Smith (Ronald), Amy Duncan (Daniel), Angela Kirshon and Monica Johnston (Matt), 18 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her brother John Walter Lanham Jr, husband Mial, son Richard, great grandson Donovan Andrew Tucker and great granddaughter Lindsey Kate Johnston. Funeral arrangements are being made by Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 East Palmetto Ave in Melbourne. In lieu of flowers donations to Health First Hospice or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital will be greatly appreciated.
