Rosemary Knecht passed away at the age of 102 on October 20, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of her loving family members. She was born in Mileto, Italy, on October 31, 1923, to her parents, Pasquale Calzone and Fortunata Solano Calzone. She recalled a childhood of fond and vivid memories, spending time with her Grandparents in the Italian countryside. A loving atmosphere of warm sun, abundant vineyards, and fruit trees.

Her family immigrated to America when she was eight years old, arriving at Ellis Island and making their new home on the East Coast. As both of her parents passed away at an early age, Rosemary was resourceful, attending school, working, and helping at home with her brothers, Joseph and Phillip. At school, she excelled in art class and was quickly promoted to the advanced art level. She worked at Woolworths and Grumman's Aircraft Engineering Corp., helping construct the World War II "Hellcat" airplanes.

In 1945, she met and married Frank "Kevin" Laughlin at a USO dance. They moved out West to Baker, Oregon, and raised their family, daughters, Gail and Jan, and son, Michael. Kevin passed away suddenly in 1964 after 17 years of marriage.

While living in Baker, Rosemary worked for Holman's Photo Studio. With her artistic talent, she "retouched" many a senior's graduation photo to reveal a "perfect complexion". She also attended Baker Business College and worked for John Rand, Attorney at Law,

In 1968, she decided to venture away from Eastern Oregon and settled in Concord, California. Shortly after that, she met and married James "Curly" Knecht. They were married for 39 years until his death in 2008.

In California, Rosemary worked 25 years as a claims examiner for the Military Sealift Command, receiving many awards & recognition for her dedication and achievements.

Rosemary loved to cook and made delicious meals. Her specialties were Parker House Rolls, Italian Ricotta Cake, and Spaghetti & Meatballs; holiday meals were a culinary delight. A drive to San Francisco, the opera, ice cream, licorice, Casper hotdogs, and watching the "Olympics" or "Dancing with the Stars" were some of her favorites. Many of her Grandchildren will remember her reciting favorite nursery rhymes and the poem "Little Orphan Annie", AKA "The Goblins Will Get Ya If You Don't Watch Out", all of which she recited from memory. The poem was especially meaningful to her on her Halloween Birthday.

Many a person was blessed to be given one of her oil paintings to adorn their home. Her talent as an accomplished artist, along with her various crafts and sewing projects, were her hobbies, but above all, she cared deeply about the well-being of her family and friends and was always ready to help where needed.

In her lifetime, she was able to travel back to Italy twice, visiting her hometown of Mileto and connecting with relatives. While in Rome, she visited the Vatican and was blessed by the hand of Pope John Paul II. An event that was close to her heart.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents - Pasquale and Fortunata Calzone, Brothers - Joseph and Phillip Calzone, grandsons - Wade Wilson and Jason Laughlin, great-grandson - Ashton Morrison.

She is survived by her children -Gail Bryden, Jan Smith (Rocky), and Michael Laughlin. Her Grandchildren - Kasey Wood, Cary LaScala, Dana Hamburg (Dave), Caine Smith (Julie), Clay Smith, Nicole Stroup (Joe), Christopher Laughlin (Wendi). Nieces - Lynn Bryan and "Big" Joanie Debenedittes. Grandniece - "Little" Joanie Anzalone-Thill - Grandnephew - Phillip Calzone and 13 great-grandchildren.

Her presence will be missed, but we will forever hold her memory in our hearts and be comforted knowing she is at peace with the Lord.