Rosemary Rosie (Grassel) Atkinson

Little Falls, NY-We mourn the passing of Rosemary "Rosie" Atkinson, age 71, who went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday morning, November 16, 2016 at her family home on West Monroe Street.  Although her passing saddens us all, we are comforted to know she is free from her battle with cancer.  She was in the presence of loved ones when she left this world. Rosie was born on Nov. 5, 1945 in Little Falls, NY daughter of the late Stanley and Harriet (Chrisman) Grassel and educated in Stratford schools.  She was last employed with Van Allen Nursing Home, Little Falls.  Rosie loved to be with her many family members and friends.  She shined to see her loved ones happy.  In her leisure time, she enjoyed fishing and visiting with her friends at the Ilion Moose Lodge.  She was a huge country music fan and loved the group Buffalo Barfield.  Many will remember her for her ability to “Jitter Bug”.  She touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. Survivors include her loving family; her children, Brenda Leon of Herkimer, Deb Bilger and husband Shawn of Salisbury, George Atkinson of Little Falls, Jason Filippi and Karen of Little Falls, and Jessica Gallt and husband Jason of Little Falls; siblings, Edna Green and the late Richard Green, Jean Hicks of Mohawk, Joanne Baker and the late Manley Baker (Ephratah); cherished grandchildren, Tara, Shawn, Shawna, Cassandra, Nicole, Zachary, Gabriel, Luke, Lexi, Jason, Jr., Brandon, Jason Jr., and Collon; adored great grandchildren, Peyton, Jason, Dakota and Carl.  She also leaves a host of wonderful friends including her devoted companion, Robert Kinville of Ilion, Chief Mike Masi and family of Little Falls, Dorothy Evans of Sherrill, Larry Moorehouse, Joe Moore, John and Michelle Gillard; many nieces, nephews and cousins along with Mary DiFilippi and the late John Filippi.  She was preceded in death by her brothers, Stanley Grassel Jr., and James Grassel. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to memorial visitation at Daniel J. Enea Funeral and Cremation Care, 5860 State Route 5, between Little Falls and Herkimer (508-5250) on Thursday, Nov. 17th, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. and to Rosie’s memorial service celebrating her life (also at Dan Enea’s funeral home location) on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.  Burial will be private.  To add to her online memorial, click to the left.  The family offers their deepest gratitude to everyone for their kind acts of sympathy and support during this difficult time.