Rosemary Chase (71) passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, June 26, 2020, at Rhode Island Hospital. Rosemary was born on Aug. 28 in Providence, R.I., at the Lying in Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Edward Sousa Pontes and Roseline “Roz” (Maturi) Pontes. She was a lifelong resident of Bristol, R.I.

Rosemary attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (OLMC) and later, Colt Memorial High School, graduating in 1966.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Rhode Island in 1970 and took graduate classes in education throughout her career.

She began her teaching career in the Coventry school system before leaving to raise her family. As her children grew older, she resumed her career in education by helping to start the Bristol YMCA’s “Little Friends” Pre-school and serving as its director for several years.  Rosemary returned to teaching at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, the same school she attended as a child, where she taught different grades during her many years there. The impact she made as a teacher was evident, as she couldn’t go anywhere in town without running into a former student who wanted to share what they were up to with Mrs. Chase. 

In here younger years, Rosemary was involved with the OLMC School Parent Teacher Group, the U.S. Junior Chamber (Jaycees Women) and also served as a literacy tutor. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she also volunteered. 

Family was the most important thing to Rosemary and she always put them first. She was the devoted mother of Allison Chase Padula (Paul Padula) of Bristol, R.I. and Edward “Teddy” Chase of Warren, R.I. Her son-in-law Paul was like another son to her.  She was the cherished grandmother (“Nonni”) of Mia Rose Padula, with whom she enjoyed a particularly close relationship. Nonni was a constant at Mia’s games, recitals and school events, and all of Mia’s friends knew and loved Nonni. 

Rosemary was also blessed to have her chosen sisters, the “Mt. Carmel Girls,” who enjoyed 65 years of friendship since their childhood days in school. They remained extremely close throughout their lives, spending time with each other’s families and sharing life’s joys and struggles.   

Rosemary loved going out to eat with her family and friends, shopping, Beatles music, reading, and playing games. She will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. 

A Mass of  Christian Burial in celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held on Monday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol, RI.  Burial will follow in North Burial Ground, 1081 Hope St., Bristol. There will be no visiting hours given COVID restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosemary’s memory may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (Rosemary Chase Fund, 141 State St., Bristol, RI  02809) or Bristol Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI  02809).

For online condolences and shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.