Rosemary Smith

Rosemary Smith, 83, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. Born on May 30, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, she lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and creativity.

Throughout her professional life, Rosemary was committed to helping others find meaningful employment and build better futures. She served as a workforce development specialist and employer outreach liaison for Pima County One Stop, where she played a vital role in connecting individuals with career opportunities. Later in her career, she worked with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona as an employment coordinator until her retirement. Her work left a lasting impact on the communities she served.

Rosemary was also an active member of the Tucson Chamber of Commerce, where she contributed her time and energy to supporting local businesses and economic development initiatives.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rosemary was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy in creating beautiful flower arrangements and had a keen eye for photography. Her artistic spirit extended to cake decorating and crafting porcelain dolls and ceramics—each piece reflecting her attention to detail and love for beauty. An avid collector, she enjoyed exploring yard sales and estate sales in search of antiques. In recent years, she developed a deep appreciation for Native American culture and art, collecting baskets, Kachinas, and other works that spoke to her heart.

Her faith was central to her life. A devoted Christian who loved Jesus deeply, Rosemary regularly attended church services and opened her home for Bible study gatherings. Her spiritual strength was evident in the way she lived—always generous with her time and resources. She was known for her kindness and willingness to help others without hesitation.

Rosemary’s legacy lives on through her family. She leaves behind one sibling, Starr; four children: Candis, Brenda, Kimberly, and Michael; two stepdaughters: Debbie and Kerry; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Her love for them was unwavering. Rosemary also loved her 4 fur babies, Pele, Jack, Katie and Pappy.

She is reunited in peace with those who passed before her: her Mother Rosemary Dunn; Father Arthur Dunn Sr.; brother Arthur Dunn Jr.; husband Jack Smith; and grandson Timothy O'Donnell.

Rosemary’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her—for her strength, independence, generosity, and the warmth she brought into every room.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM at Desert Valley Christian Fellowship 4165 W. Ina Road. A light lunch will be provided after the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to P.A.C.C. or your favorite animal shelter.