RoseMarie "Rosie" McKinney

RoseMarie “Rosie” McKinney, age 13, of Applewood Community, Clinton, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at the Upstate Medical University in Syracuse with the love and support of her family at her side. Born in Clearwater Beach, Florida on January 24, 1996, RoseMarie is the daughter of Charles J. McKinney and Tracy O’Brien. She was also blessed to have the love, guidance, and home of her paternal grandparents, Janet and James McKinney. RoseMarie began her preschool education at Upstate Cerebral Palsy on Armory Drive, Utica, and completed her 6th grade this past June at Sauquoit Valley School. With a sunny smile and beaming blue eyes, RoseMarie was affectionately known to her family as “Rosebud”. She loved life and was always grateful for acts of kindness which she acknowledged with her special “thank-yous”. Graced with a good sense of humor, she joked and teased wholeheartedly, deriving much joy and happiness from others. RoseMarie was always giving, a personal attribute that was a great source of compassion to her. A clothing aficionado, she enjoyed shopping, especially for shoes and jewelry, and she loved to cook, particularly pizza and ravioli pasta. She enjoyed bowling and visiting the nurses and guests at the nursing home at the Pines at Utica, where her great-grandmother is a resident. Her family was so important to her and her greatest joy was gleaned from visits and phone conversations. She had a special blessing which enabled her the ability to memorize phone numbers. Although her life was short in years, it was filled and rich with love; she will be remembered as a grand soul. RoseMarie was a blessing to her parents, Janet and James A. McKinney, and Charles J. McKinney and Tracy O’Brien. She is survived by her sister, Alexis Nicole Battreall and her dad, Matt; her maternal grandparents, Paulette and Gordon Kelly, and Thomas and Jody O’Brien; her great-grandmother, Lucy Fontaine, who was affectionately known as Big Ma; aunts and uncles, including Luann (who was also her godmother) and her husband Charles, Nicole and Paul, and Tom; several great-aunts and great-uncles, especially acknowledging "Aunt Glory" Fabbio and Thomas Fabbio; and her cousins especially acknowledging Sherri and Tim, and Tom and Michelle. Rosie loved so many people unconditionally, including her dear friends Ron Cramer, Renee, and Matt of the Pines at Utica; her special friends known as the Arby’s gang, her religious family, Katie, Janice, and Jack, who spiritually encouraged and celebrated special days with her; her loving friend, Connie Buffa, “Miss W”; and her “one on one” aid, Mrs. D. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Kevin Ragosta, Upstate Medical University, and the entire staff of the Pediatric ICU for their unending devotion, Dr. Rhea Ivins and staff, as well as all her specialists and caregivers who have been extended family throughout the years. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. RoseMarie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. A graveside service will follow with interment in St. Agnes Cemetery.

RoseMarie "Rosie" McKinney

January 24, 1996 - July 7, 2009