Rosalie Mcdermott

Rosalie McDermott, age 96, of Sabula, IA, passed away Tuesday, March 19, at Sunrise Villa Assisted Living in Bellevue, IA. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 25, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Rose’s family asks that you take a moment to hug your loved ones extra tight. Time waits for no one.

Rose was born at home on a cold winter day on January 6, 1928, in Jackson County, IA, to Charles and Clara (Hogg) Clark. She grew up during the Depression and she always said that "they weren't poor, they just didn't have any money!" The love and support of family was always enough to sustain her in any adversity.

As a young teenager Rose worked at the Savanna Army Ammunition Depot. She often talked about the sacrifices the entire nation had to make with rationing of commodities, tires and other products to help support the war effort. Rose married Mike McDermott on Sept. 11, 1945, the year WWII ended.

Rose and Mike settled on the McDermott family farm North of Sabula and raised 8 children. The early years of farm life were without electricity, running water, or telephone service. Most winters were "snowed in" and isolated, but that was the time to bring out the board games or cards and enjoy the family togetherness. Farm life brought out trials and some hardships, but Rose and Mike taught and shared their strong faith and values to their children through hard work, respect for each other and the rewards of accomplishment. Rose was proud to keep the legacy of the McDermott family farm in the family for over 150 years. That designation was honored by the state of Iowa in 2014 as a "Heritage Farm".

Rose went to country schools until the 8th grade. While raising her family she went to night classes to get her GED and graduated from high school in 1969 at the age of 41. After Mike passed away in 1986, Rose spent 10 years working at the local assembly line factory in Sabula. Rose enjoyed doing hand embroidery stitching, creating pillowcases, tablecloths, quilts, etc., samples of which every family member treasures.

Rose often expressed her political views and the importance of living a simple life. She was a convert to the Catholic faith. Her religious conviction would constantly sustain her throughout her life. Her fine example of living her strong faith always came through. We can still hear her say "God is in charge".

Rose will be dearly missed by her seven children, Edward (Conchi) McDermott of Sabula, Bernadette (David) Christof of Sabula, Mary (Nick) Gordon of Sabula, Therese (Mark) Meilus of Blaine, MN, Carolyn (Kenneth) Liddle of Thomson, IL, Barbara (Carl) Cullen of Loves Park, IL, and John (Mary) McDermott of Omaha, NE; daughter-in-law, Shirley McDermott of DeSoto, MO; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Rose is preceded in death by her loving husband Mike, her son Neil, Her parents Charles and Clara Clark and all of her 9 siblings: Lindus Clark, Olive Culver, Minnie Barton, Clara Jochum, William Clark, Virginia Watters, Thomas Clark, Patricia Brocket Hayton, and baby sister Ethel at birth.

Rose’s family would like to thank the staff of Jackson County Hospice and Sunrise Villa for the special care they have shown to Rose.