Rosemary Rimkus

Rosemary (MacPherson) Rimkus, 95, of Hudson, wife of the late Victor M. Rimkus and mother of their eight children, died at home, surrounded by family, on January 19, 2025. She had been a editor/columnist for local newspapers since the 1940’s, and was most well-known for her “Keynotes” and “Hudson Happenings” columns for several newspapers for more than 60 years. 

Rosemary was born in Dorchester on June 9, 1929, the oldest child of Charles L. and Alice F. (Mahoney) MacPherson. The family moved to Hudson in 1931. Rosemary was the last surviving member of the class of 1946 at the former St. Michael Academy of Hudson. 

Rosemary was the mother of Joan Wotton, the wife of Michael Wotton of Rockland; the late Michael V. Rimkus; Peter Rimkus, husband of Debora of Coventry, CT; Andrew Rimkus, husband of Deborah of Bainbridge Island, WA; the late Martin P. Rimkus; Julie Rimkus, spouse of Camille Derricotte of Tucson, AZ, Martha Rimkus of Hudson, her principal caretaker; and Matthew Rimkus of Groton. Rosemary is also survived by ten grandchildren (Seth, Sam, Alison, Tesslily, Beth, Claire, Sarah, David, Anna, and Emily) and four great-grandchildren (Gordy, Marin, Jackson, and Joey) to whom she was an adoring, and adored, “Grandma Rosie”; her brother, Joseph MacPherson and his wife, Margaret, of Hudson; her brother-in-law, Anthony Rock of Hudson; ten Godchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many, many good friends. She was the sister of the late Joan Rock, the late Patricia Sullivan, and the late Charles MacPherson, Jr. 

Rosemary had many interests. She loved camping with family and friends (especially the Guidotti, Hester, Sullivan, and Crowley families) throughout New England, especially on Hermit Island, ME, where everyone accumulated countless memories. She volunteered at the former Christ the King Parish and at Saint Michael’s Parish in Hudson, and worked at the polls on Election Day. She was involved for years with the Hudson Historical Society, serving as newsletter editor for most of that time. She was a lover of music across the spectrum, from The Eagles to Mariachi music to Symphony Pro Musica. She was a lover of reading, had a curious mind, and was the ultimate interviewer; always having a series of questions ready for anyone. She was the recipient of several awards for her service from local civic organizations, and was chosen by the State of Massachusetts’ Commission on the Status of Women as an “Unsung Heroine of Massachusetts” in 2018. 

She thoroughly enjoyed her annual spring trips to Tucson - with Vic until his passing in 2019 and then on her own up to and including this past spring - spending a couple weeks in the warm Arizona sun with Julie and Camille. She relished trips to the Cape Cod Canal to Bourne Scenic Campground, to stop for lunch, and to view the passing ships from the bike path. Every week she tackled the Boston Globe Sunday crossword puzzle. Major holiday gatherings were arranged at her home on Cottage Street, right up to this most recent Christmas. 

Siblings Joan, Peter, Andrew, Julie, and Matthew wish to recognize their sister Martha for all she has done for their father and mother over the past many years – serving as housemate, cook, nurse, and comic foil to Vic and Rosemary for years. Being there for Dad and Mom and enabling them to stay at home where they wanted to be, brought them immeasurable joy.

Rosemary was beloved by her family, friends, community, and essentially all who met her. She will be sorely missed. 

Donations may be made in Rosemary's Memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Hudson. Their address is 20 High Street, Hudson MA 01749 http://stvincentdepaulhudsonma.org/donate 

Calling hours are planned for Thursday Jan. 23 from 3PM – 7PM at Tighe- Hamilton Funeral Home in Hudson. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday Jan. 24 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Church in Hudson.