L. Rosemary Mordasky's Obituary
L. Rosemary Mordasky, 95, of Stafford Springs, CT, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, May 29, 2023. Rose was predeceased by her husband of 74 years, John D. Mordasky, 58 days earlier. Rosemary was born to the late Catherine Adelle Pettee and Rueben Rosseter in Lakeville, CT. Rosemary was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, Frank, James, and Myron Rosseter. Rosemary graduated from UCONN School of Agriculture as an Animal Science Major. At UCONN, she met the love of her life, John David Mordasky, a farmer from Stafford Springs, CT. Rosemary was a soft-spoken, kind-hearted woman who always had a smile for everyone she met. She managed her home and her family with rules and regulations that taught her six children the importance of being on time, being kind, doing chores, being responsible, and always showing up for dinner. Besides John, Rosie had three loves: her children, grandchildren, and horses. Rose was often called a horse whisperer. She started riding at a young age and continued up until her seventies. The most horses she ever owned, took care of, and fed, was 28. Rosemary's husband was a dairy farmer and a politician and was gone most of the day. Besides her obsession with horses, Rosemary cared for the home and the family, which kept her very busy. She joined in 4-H activities with her husband, particularly involving horses. She bred Great Danes, trained horses, showed horses, and bred and sold horses. Even so, Rosemary attended every significant event in her children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren’s lives. Rosemary was willing and eager to teach horsemanship to anyone interested and who had time to learn. Even today, there are many equestrian men and women who have learned all they know about horses from Rosemary. She made sure she gave each of her grandchildren a pony from the moment they could walk. You only had to look in her horse barn any day, and you would find Rose. Rosemary rescued many horses from the auction once a week on her date night with her husband. She would look in the eye of a horse, know that horse's soul, and know the depth of that horse's kindness. Rosemary could recognize a kind eye in the horses that she met. Then, she and her husband would load that horse on their trailer and bring it back to their 200-acre farm, where it would be fed and cared for until she found the right home for that particular horse. Many people will say they become horse owners and lovers because of the efforts and acts of Rosemary Mordasky. Rosemary was a member of St. Edward Church and then Grace Episcopal Church in Stafford Springs, CT. Rosemary was active with The Hackney Pony Association and was an accomplished driver and a member of the American Warmblood Association. Rose will be missed by her six children: Rosemarie Hice and her predeceased husband Paul Hice, Maureen Festi, Dr. Frances Traylor and her husband Dr. Dan Traylor, Dr. David Mordasky and his wife Judith Mordasky, William Mordasky and his wife Janice Mordasky, and John Mordasky, Jr. and his wife Kimberly Mordasky. Her grandchildren: Catherine, Jeff, Christopher, Brian, David, Stella, Ryan, Lorin, Victoria, Andrew, Ashley, Lauren, Matt, Tom, Annette, Christina, Mark, JD, and Sophie. Also, 29 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be a service and Celebration of Life for Rosemary on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Grace Episcopal Church, 7 Spring Street, Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a brunch in the church hall. Burial will be in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. In lieu of flowers or gifts, it was Rosemary’s wishes that donations be made in her memory to Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 65, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. “This braided tail of blended color So silky to the touch A small hint of the beauty, Of the horse you loved so much… And when your time on earth is done On the other side, she’ll wait And astride her, she will carry you Straight up to heaven’s gate.” (Diana Zettlemoyer) Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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