Rosemary Whiteman

Rosemary M. Whiteman “loving grandmother”

PORTVILLE, N.Y.---Rosemary M. Whiteman, 70, a longtime resident of Portville, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, January 1, 2021, after a long illness.

Born on Monday, August 7, 1950 in Port Allegany, Pa., she was a daughter of Leon and Martha Corwin Kilbourn. On July 8, 1983 in Portville, she married Richard “Dick” Whiteman, from there it was pure bliss. Although the beginning of her life had many misfortunes, she and Dick fought their way to a better life.

Rosemary prided herself in working hard, especially at the former Hewitt Manor in Shinglehouse, Pa. with her best friend, Cindy Evingham and her babysitting for Olivia Hagen, whom she considered to be a granddaughter.

Rosemary was a kind and giving person. She will be remembered for her stubbornness and her un-relentless need to give. She will also be remembered for her constant availability for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was nothing she loved more than her babies.

Surviving in addition to her loving husband are two children, Karen (Jeff) Warner of Portville and Jamie (Alex) Swift of Killeen, Texas; three grandchildren, Nikita (Shawn) Schultz, Bree (Jordan) Reed, and Joshua Swift; her adoring great-grandchildren, Jayden and Harper Schultz, Eevee and Elton Grabinski, and Rosalie and Wesley Reed; a brother, Ronnie (Paula) Kilbourn of Richburg; and a sister, Judy Rhodes.

In addition to her parents, Rosemary was predeceased by a sister, Linda Kilbourn.

A graveside funeral service celebrating Rosemary’s life will be held in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, on a date and time to be announced.

Rosemary’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Rosemary, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.