Rosemary V. (Manning) Burt

Wellesley – A beautiful, kind and loving matriarch has left us. Rosemary (Manning) Burt, 83, mother of seven children, passed away quietly in her sleep on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. What a life she had; born in Brockton and growing up in Roxbury, the oldest of seven children, she graduated from St. Patrick High in Roxbury in 1957. She met the love of her life at age 20, on a plane, and within two years was married, giving birth to seven children over the next eight years. Devotion to God and family were always her focus. While her physical beauty and her love of nice clothes were often mentioned, it didn’t compare to her inner beauty. According to those that knew Rosemary she was as positive and kind of a person they had ever met. As a homemaker she was noted for her blueberry muffins, banana bread, and homemade pizza, oftentimes for her children’s friends. Rosemary and family lived in several locations, including Quincy, North Andover and Topsfield. Rosemary would often buy carnations at local florists and go to Lawrence General Hospital, delivering to new mothers that had little to no family representation, making them “feel loved.” Her favorite saying to those in need was “Jesus loves you.” And to those who were lucky to be doing well, “Be kind to those in need.” As the grandchildren started coming into her life, she became known as “Grandma Rosie,” and her kind, loving personality touched them all. “Grandma Rosie” loved children, all children. In fact, one her passion’s was promoting “Right to Life” and its mission to protect and defend the most fundamental right of humankind, the right to life of every innocent human being from the beginning of life to natural death. “The most beautiful thing in the world is a baby. It’s one of the greatest gifts of God,” she often said. Rosemary also donated to “Project Rachel,” which provides a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. In the end, Rosemary had no enemies. Over her final years, Rosemary spent a lot of time watching her favorite channel, Catholic Television and EWTN. Every Sunday at 10 a.m. she watched the Sunday Mass at Notre Dame on Catholic TV, oftentimes with a family member. Rosemary is survived by her family, including six of her seven children, their spouses and six grandchildren, and one sister; including, son William Burt Jr. and his wife, Mary, and grandson Maxwell; daughter Meredith Bunker and her husband, Steven Bunker and grandsons Craig Bunker and his wife Sonja Boatman; Dr. Drew Bunker and Trent Bunker, son Gerard Burt; son Christopher Burt and his partner Ellen Yameen, and granddaughter Scarlett; son Michael Burt; son Keith Burt and granddaughter Caroline Burt; and sister Kathy Manning-Fabrizio and husband Jack. Rosemary was predeceased by her ex-husband William Burt Sr. and son Joseph Burt; and brothers Thomas Manning, Fr. Joseph Manning, John Manning, James Manning and sister Elizabeth Manning; and parents Thomas and Florence Manning. The family will have a private ceremony at her burial in Ayer, Mass., where she will be laid next to her youngest son, Joseph Burt. A memorial Mass will be performed at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 12 Park Street, Topsfield, MA on Friday, January 13th at 10:30 a.m. At Rosemary’s request, all donations in her name should go to her favorite charity: CatholicTV, PO Box 9196, 34 Chestnut St., Watertown, MA 02471 or go to www.catholictv.org/donate.html.

Tributes

Rosemary V. (Manning) Burt

June 15, 1939 - January 6, 2023