Obituary of Rosemary E. Kersten

Kersten, Rosemary E. "Rose", age 90 of Orchard Park, New York, May 8, 2021. A longtime resident of Buffalo and Hamburg, Rosemary Kersten was born on October 5, 1930 to Julius and Loretta (nee Norbury) Kersten; youngest sister to J. Raymond and Robert J. who predeceased her. She was a devoted daughter to her mother Loretta and a self appointed family historian. A graduate of D'Youville College, she began her teaching career as an English teacher in Falconer, NY. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to Hamburg High School, earned a Master's degree from Canisius College in counselling, and spent most of her professional career as a Counselor at Hamburg High School. Rosemary was very much respected by the staff, administration and the students for her professionalism and devotion to her students' best interest at Hamburg High School. She was a strong and independent woman who was deeply grounded by her strong faith. Fiercely committed to peace and justice, she counseled inmates at the Collins Correctional Facility. She served on the parish councils of two Catholic churches, sat on the board of Canisius College and served as a member of the Guidance Counselor's Association of WNY. Her pastimes included a love of live theater and concerts, golf and lively discussions with friends concerning politics. Rosemary is survived by nieces and nephews of her late brothers; Lawrence, Joseph (Susan), Gerard (Diane), Mark, Mary Catherine, Robert (Cathie), Paul (Jeanne), Michael (Joanne), David (Marie Therese) and the late Carol (Casey). She is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews. in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to OLV Charities, http://www.olvcharities,org/. Family and friends called at the DONALD M. DEMMERLEY FUNERAL HOME, 21 Pierce Avenue, Hamburg on Sunday, May 16 from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Bernadette RC Church, 5930 South Abbott Road, Orchard Park on Monday, May 17 at 10:00 AM. Private interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga. Please share condolences at www.demmerleyfuneralhome.com. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Rosemary E. Kersten, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.