Obituary of Rosemarie A Grookett

Our beloved mother, Rosemarie A Grookett, of North Cape May, NJ departed this world on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 to join our Lord in Heaven. She enjoyed 86 wonderful years. Born June 23, 1930 in Chicago, IL; to George and Florence Griffin, she lived her formative years in Vineland, NJ, where she met and married her husband, Thomas Wister Grookett in 1950. After living in Mexico City and Washington, DC, they moved to North Jersey where they lived and welcomed seven of their eight children. In the late 1960's, they moved to Wildwood, NJ and shortly after welcomed their eighth child. A long time resident of Cape May County, Rosemarie was an active member of our community, serving on the board of directors for the Wildwood Parking Authority and Convention Hall. As a small business owner, she ran the family's hotel, The Pioneer House. Later she worked for several businesses in the Wildwoods and then became owner of two H&R Block franchises. In her final years, Rosemarie did not slow down, but instead became an investor and small business owner once again as partner in the iconic Sea Shell Ice Cream Parlor and the Coffee House at the Grand. But her proudest accomplishment, by far, was being mother to her children. A beautiful lady, both inside and out, Rosemarie loved her family dearly. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Widowed at the young age of 49, she was a strong woman who lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling, good food, family time, and laughter. She was well-read, had a great sense of humor, an entrepreneurial spirit and a warmth that few possess. She was truly selfless and her encouragement, guidance, and love will be sorely missed. Always looking to help others, one of her final wishes was to create a scholarship in the name of her late husband. Rosemarie is survived by her eight children: Carlotta (George) Ackley of Cape May, Ronald (Joan) Grookett of Wildwood, Kathleen Kindle of Cape May Court House, Pamela Young of Cape May, Patrice Bechta of Cape May, Nicolette Cannuli of Cape May, Lisa (Chris) Colson of Cumming, GA, and Dr. Thomas (Jamie) Grookett of Haddonfield, NJ. Also surviving are: 24 grandchildren (3 deceased) and 5 great grandchildren. Donations can be made to the Thomas Wister Grookett, VII "Great Thinkers Scholarship Fund". Please mail donations to Dr. Thomas W Grookett, 227 Homestead Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com.