Rosemary Lonergan Scott, 97, of Jacksonville, IL, died Monday, August 23, 2021, at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehab. She was born in Jacksonville on February 13, 1924, the daughter of Thomas and Nellie Kennedy-Lonergan. She married Merle Scott on June 1, 1943, at Church of Our Saviour. She is survived by two daughters, Dianne (husband, Marc) Steinberg and Janet (husband, Dan) Littig; two grandchildren, January (husband, Mike) Woods, and Matt (wife, Barbara) Barton; and six great-grandchildren. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Jeanette Preston. Rose and Merle were married during the war, both working at the ammunition plant, Nesco, where Rose was the supervisor for the "Flare" department. Times were lean and they had to sell their bicycles to buy dishes to start housekeeping. After the war, they started Scotts Maytag and Bottled Gas in 1948 when "Mom & Pop" shops flourished. Rose was a member of Church of Our Saviour, The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Altar and Rosary Society, University of Illinois Home Extension, and the YMCA (oh, how she loved the Y Ladies). Rose was so proud of her Irish heritage she never missed an opportunity to celebrate that fact. And, as anyone who knew her, knew she was quick with "Irish Wit" and always had a snappy one-liner to sum up her thoughts. During the years when her daughters were growing up, she was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, as well as a 4H leader. Her home was always filled with kids. Often, she took a break in her workday to entertain the kids with homemade treats, encouraging them to come by the doors were always open. She was a fabulous "down home cook" and as the saying goes, "Rose could even fry water" her fried chicken was famous and enjoyed by all. The front door of her home was open at 7:30 AM and she always had the "coffee on," so that anyone who stopped by could "sit, sip, and chat." That tradition remained until the last few months of her life. Her interests were varied she especially loved animals and enjoyed feeding the birds. She converted many of her friends to do the same. Her family was so important to her. She and Merle hosted many family gatherings and summer reunions around the pool in Naples. There were also Fall parties in their "barn" with music, as well as St. Patrick Day dinners complete with corn beef and cabbage. Life was given a "sweet spot" to many who knew them because of the good times they shared. These are just some of the memories of a life well lived. Those that knew Rose are left with a heartfelt smile what more can you ask for A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2021, at the Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to YMCA Senior Equipment. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent at buchanancody.com. . Visitation Church of Our Saviour Monday, August 30, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 462 East State Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Funeral Mass Church of Our Saviour Monday, August 30, 2021 11:00 AM 462 East State Jacksonville, Illinois 62650