Sandwich, MA – Rosemarie Elfriede MacKenzie was born in a thunderstorm in Washington, DC on July 9, 1929 to Curt and Else Bruchmann. She passed away peacefully September 28, 2025 with loved ones at her side.
Rosemarie was raised in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1947 and attended the University of New Hampshire. Rosemarie married her childhood friend, Charles MacKenzie, on a sparkling August day in 1952. They shared 65 fun-filled years of marriage until his death in 2018. She and Charlie made their home in Fishkill, New York for 33 years before retiring to Cape Cod in 1990. They traveled the world, but were always happy to return to the home that they built in Sandwich.
Rosemarie worked for the Veterans Administration for most of her career, retiring in 1990 from her position as secretary to the Director of Castle Point VA Hospital.
Rosemarie was a fierce skier in her youth, and, on the day she died, spoke of how much she missed flying down the slopes. She had a great talent for decorating, and firmly believed that no home was complete without a red and white buffalo check. Rosemarie was grateful to live in the home that she loved and decorated with great care to the very end of her life. Her gracious manner, tenacity, and sense of style will remain an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
Rosemarie was predeceased by her parents, younger brother Fred, and her dear Charlie. She is survived by her children Douglas MacKenzie and his wife Rachel, and daughter Sandra Luhrs and her husband Robert. She was cherished MomMom to grandchildren Heather Hickman and her husband Mason, Brian Luhrs and his wife Katherine Aho, Ian MacKenzie, Molly MacKenzie, and great-granddaughter, Carter Hickman.
Rosemarie requested a private burial.
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