Rosemary H. Lessig

Rosemary Lessig died on Labor Day, September 2, 2024. She was born on March 6, 1937, in
Richmond Hill, NY, to George and Otillia Batkay. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and
friend, with a generous heart and a sly sense of humor.

An only child, she grew up in Franklin Square, NY. She moved to Valley Stream, NY in 1967,
where she lived until her passing. On the day she and her parents moved into their Valley
Stream home, they learned that there were eight brothers living in the house next door. The
parents of those brothers died when several of the brothers were still young. Rosemary and her
mother became mother figures to them.

Rosemary was a devoted Catholic throughout her life; her faith was shaped by her parents. Her
father, George, had studied for a period in the seminary to become a priest. She attended
church regularly until recent years, when her failing health prevented her from going.
She worked for the New York Telephone Company in their accounting department after
graduation from high school in 1955, until the birth of her oldest son in 1971. Early in her
career, she became best friends with her co-worker, Denise; their friendship lasted her lifetime.
At the age of 30, Rosemary was set up on a blind date with Marvin Lessig. Rosemary was six
feet tall, gorgeous, reserved, hardly drank, and Catholic. Marvin was six-foot-three, bald, wore
glasses, outgoing, like to have a few drinks, and Jewish. They were a perfect match and became
engaged just three months later. They were married for 53 and a half years and loved each
other to the last moment they were together, when Marvin died on Christmas morning in 2022.
Rosemary took the greatest pride and joy from her two sons, Brian and George, instilling in
them the kindness, love, and devotion that she showed to so many family and friends. Her life
was a labor of love to her family, so it seems appropriate that she passed on Labor Day after
giving so much of herself to so many.

Rosemary was an attentive and supportive mother who never missed a ballgame for either of
her sons throughout their childhood. Rosemary and her mom were a familiar presence at those
games, especially baseball games, bringing their lawn chairs to watch with pride. She also loved
dogs and took in many stray dogs throughout her lifetime, providing these rescues with a loving
and caring home.

Rosemary possessed a wry sense of humor and a quick wit. Even when her health had declined
in recent years due to Alzheimer’s, she would still surprise her family with a snappy, funny line.
She loved to walk in the neighborhood. Her walks could often take multiple hours as she
stopped to talk to so many neighbors. She was known and loved by many as a sort of “mayor”
in the neighborhood

Rosemary was deeply loved and will be missed by many. She is survived by her sons, Brian and
George, their wives, and three grandchildren, some close cousins, and several dear friends.