Rosemary Higbee (nee Cairo), age 84, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 in Barrington, Illinois, where she was a resident for over 63 years. She was a graduate of Wauconda High School. She had a love for education and after high school, she was certified to become a paramedic and a realtor. She then attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Evanston and after graduation worked as a registered nurse. She continued her education in various studies throughout her life.
She enjoyed roller skating and swimming as a young child and grew up to become a wonderful cook. She was an avid animal lover who fostered many cats and dogs until they were placed in loving homes. One of her favorite trips was to Italy with her husband.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Higbee Sr.; her parents Pasquale “Michael” Cairo and Mary Cairo (nee Belucci); aunt, Elsie Belucci; uncle, Tony (Antoinette) Cairo; uncle, Leonard (Jean) Futia; aunt, Sarah (Joseph) Abbinanti (nee Futia); and aunt, Theresa (Bud) Crabtree (nee Futia).
She is survived by her brother, Jerry (Marian) Cairo; sister, Betty Ann Woodward; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including Laura (Michael) Andersen and their children, Lena (Stephanie); Michael (Jessica); and Ian.
Rosemary is also survived by her stepchildren, Roland (Julie) Higbee, Susan (Roy) Visor, and William (Mandy) Higbee; grandchildren, Jessica (Alan) Schoenburg, Olivia and Nate Visor, Spencer and Kayla Higbee; great grandchildren, Julian and Leo
Visitation will be held on June 17, 2022 at 1pm till the time of service at 2:30pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home 149 W Main Street, Barrington. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary bestfriends.org or a charity of the donor's choice.
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