Former Arizona resident Rosemary Jackson Wheelwright, 69, died May 15th, 2021, at her care facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Rosemary was born April 17, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to David Irvin and Lucile Musser Jackson. Her family included her 7 siblings: David Musser Jackson-deceased (Diana), J. Craig Jackson-deceased (Gretchen), Wendy Augason (Gordon-deceased), Samuel Joseph Jackson (Janis), Holly Alder, Jane Howell (James), and Jonathan. She is survived by her two wonderful sons – Max David and Samuel Joseph Wheelwright. She married Tom Wheelwright in August 1979, spending 35 years together.
She adored rabbits, especially her bunny Benny, who fiercely defended her from anyone who would steal her attention. She loved Vera Wang tote bags, surfing the web, and her beloved Steinway Grand Piano. She was a devout fan of the West Wing TV series. Rosemary possessed the unique quality grapheme-color synesthesia, seeing letters and words in color.
Rosemary graduated from the University of Utah in 1974 with a Bachelor’s in music education. She went on to finish her Master’s degree from Arizona State University in 1992. She made an art of teaching music and affected the lives of many as a musical educator. Her career as an elementary school music teacher included tenures in Mesa, Round Rock Texas, the Tempe-Kyrene School District, and Salt Lake City-Granite School District. Her endless supply of post-it notes kept her from forgetting things and assisted her in making lesson plans. She loved her job and loved her family.
Her sharp wit and unique brand of humor will never be forgotten. Even near death, she was the life of the party.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 21st, 11:00 AM, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 AM. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake.
The funeral may be viewed in real time via Zoom with this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84548800114. Please note that a Zoom account is necessary to access the service; however, no passcode is required. The host will begin the meeting five minutes prior to the service. Access to mic and camera will not be given.