Oct. 8, 1937 – July 3, 2017

Rosemary Leah Hegenbart of La Crescenta passed away peacefully at age 79 surrounded by family. The funeral Mass was held at St. James the Less Catholic Church on Saturday, July 8 followed by burial at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Rosemary was born on Oct. 8, 1937 to Thomas and Stella Byrnes in San Bernardino. She grew up in Barstow where she and her husband were schoolmates. Later, while attending Mount St. Mary’s University, she and Joe began to date and were married in February 1962. They served for three years with the Lay Mission Helpers Assn. in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia).

Rosemary is remembered for her steadfast commitment and skills as an organizer. She was president of the PTA many times and an officer at the regional level. Rosemary served as Right of Christian Initiation director for St. James for 15 years and assisted with the youth and folk choir. She and her husband have been loyal members for 30 years of the Sacred Heart Mission Circle that raised over $100,000 for the missions. She volunteered her time and talent with her husband Deacon Joe for the past two decades with the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Although Rosemary taught school for a short time, the majority of her career was spent raising her family of four children. She used her college education in English to assist her children with homework and in the administration of her many leadership roles. Because of her hospitable and welcoming nature, Rosemary also found herself being mother to many, including friends of her children, foreign exchange students and family friends.

Rosemary is survived by her husband Joseph Hegenbart; children Anne, Joe, John and Rose along with their spouses; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson; sister Grace Krouser and brother Tom Byrnes. She is predeceased by her parents and siblings Barbara McCoy and Virginia Webb.

Donations can be made in memory of Rosemary Hegenbart to the Lay Mission Helpers Assn. or Covenant House Los Angeles.