“The last six years have been so helpful in memory of Rosemary and helping so many families in need.” Billquist told the Post-Journal this week. “I met so many kind people who were willing to help.”
Rosemary “Rosie” Billquist died six years ago today while walking his dog outside his home in Sherman. At the time of her passing, she was a Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care volunteer and worked at UPMC Chautauqua.
Since that evening, Wednesday, November 22, 2017, the Rosemary Billquist Memorial Fund has been established through the Chautauqua Area Community Foundation. The mission of the fund is “Please support the organizations and causes closest to her heart.” said the foundation.
Each year, money raised through fundraisers and other activities is distributed to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, and the Southern Tier Kidney Association.
“We really get a lot of people who come to our two events every year.” Billquist talked about fundraisers such as Rosie’s Run in Sherman and the popular golf tournament. “Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. We want to keep her memory alive as long as people keep coming to our events.”
On Sunday, Billquist and friend Matt Ehrman once again handed out 100 turkeys and other Thanksgiving essentials. As in previous years, Dave and Addie Waller from Save-A-Lot provided much of the food.
To date, hundreds of families in need have been helped through this donation and the Rosemary Billquist Memorial Fund.
“She would be proud of everything I’ve done and all the volunteers who always helped with everything.” Billquist said. “She was an amazing person who touched so many people’s lives in the short time she was here. She gave me 27 amazing years together – I will never forget.”
he added, “I would like to thank not only myself but everyone who helped keep her memory alive.”