Rosemary Robert

Rosemary Leona Robert, a beloved nurse, devoted parishioner, and lifelong card player who brightened the lives of everyone she met, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Chateau Girardeau. She was 99. Rosemary was born June 30, 1926, in Cape Girardeau to Mary and Ferdinand (Fred) Schaefer. She earned her nursing degree from DePaul Hospital in St. Louis in 1944 as part of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. After graduation she returned to Cape Girardeau and joined St. Francis Hospital, where she devoted more than 40 years to the operating room as a skilled and steady surgical nurse - a career marked by quiet competence, compassion, and the trust of generations of patients and colleagues. On June 1, 1957, she married Marvin (Burr) Robert at St. Mary's Cathedral. Rosemary made her home and raised her family in Cape Girardeau, and in her married and retirement years she was an active member of Old St. Vincent's Parish. There she volunteered widely, especially with the women's auxiliary and the parish food bank, serving neighbors with the same care she brought to her nursing work. She also returned to St. Francis Hospital as a volunteer in many areas, including the gift shop and the surgical waiting room, continuing to offer comfort and a friendly face to patients and families. Rosemary's great love was bridge. She took up the game at 24 and kept playing with gusto into her final months - still shuffling cards and enjoying company this summer in her assisted living community. Bridge, volunteerism, and parish life were where her laughter, quick wit, and steady friendship shone brightest. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Claire (Robert) Archer of Lees Summit / Kansas City, Missouri; nephews Larry (Ellen) Seyer, Tom Seyer, Richard (Debbie) Seyer, Bill (Bev) Seyer, Gary (Nancy) Seyer, Gerald (Lori) Seyer, Mike (Cindy) Seyer, Steve (Carol) Schwab, and Steve (Mary) Robert; and nieces Mary Vomund, Kathy Mayfield, and Pat (Mike) Reed, along with many great nieces and nephews who carry forward her stories and her smile. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Marvin, and her sisters, Virginia Schwab and Dorothy Seyer. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 31, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Old St. Vincent's Church in Cape Girardeau. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Patrick Nwokoye officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Memorial contributions in Rosemary's honor may be made to Old St. Vincent's Church. Rosemary lived a long life of service, steady friendship, and joyful play. She leaves behind warm memories, a community she loved, and the kind of practical kindness that quietly changed people's lives. Her cards will be missed at the table, and her example of care will continue in everyone she helped. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing and support staff at Mercy Hospice and Chateau Memory Care for their compassionate care of Rosemary. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Rosemary Robert

June 30, 1926 - December 24, 2025