Rose Marie Burkhardt James passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday April 4th, 2021 with her two girls by her side. She was born in Akron, Ohio the 29th day of December, 1934. Predeceased are her parents Michael P. Burkhardt and Mary Margaret Leichling Burkhardt. Rose Marie came from a large immigrant family. She leaves behind her brother, David Burkhardt, and two sisters, Theresa Ferguson and Marion (Marty) Lostteter. Rose Marie married her “lifesaver” Lynn Maurice James who preceded her in death in 2016. The love of her life, which we are positive when the heaven gates opened she ran to him with open arms. Rose Marie was a dedicated mother leaving behind her daughters Victoria Lynn Anne Williams (Robert Williams) and Rebecca Lynn Anne D’Amato (Mitchell Frid). She loved being a Grandmother to Robbie (Robert Williams, Jr.), now deceased and welcomed her to heaven, Diana Rose Weatherford, Michael D’Amato and Matthew D’Amato. She doted on her great grandchildren Cassius and Connor Williams, sons of Robbie; William and Grace Weatherford, children of Diana Rose; Layla and Amelia D’Amato, daughters of Matthew.
Most of all Rose Marie loved being an Army Officer wife – she loved the pomp and circumstance, the flamboyant parties. She volunteered on the various military bases as a “Grey Lady” at the military hospitals. After her children left the nest she worked for George Mason University in the Registrar’s office – a position she loved. Quite often Rose Marie and Lynn would house many students and even loan them a car – they became their other kids! Rose Marie retired from George Mason University.
Toward the end Rose Marie lived at Shenandoah Senior Living and they were most gracious to her. The staff loved her and enjoyed her presence and in the end grieved with her family.
Rose Marie is so happy and at peace now. She is with her beloved husband, Lynn Maurice James, of 60+ years and she is also loving her grandson Robbie’s presence who praised her time and time again.
A Catholic ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date will be announced later.