Rosemary Fang (Tader) passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025. Up until her last moments Rose maintained her faith, kindness, grace, compassion, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life.
Rosemary's life can best be encapsulated by five words: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness and Fun. In her almost 90 years here with us she experienced an abundance of each.
Rosemary was the middle child in a family of 8 siblings. If Rose wasn’t playing tricks on her brothers, she was conspiring to do so with Fran, her younger sister. While their entire family was extremely close; Fran and she had a special bond that my mom deeply missed when Fran passed away. The worrier of the family; Rosemary was happiest when she was able to help any of her family in any crisis.
Rosemary worked for Kroehler Furniture as a young woman as a switchboard operator and fell ill with double pneumonia early in her employment. She always was so appreciative of the few months Kroehler paid her to recuperate from her illness. She was proud of the Singer sewing machine she was gifted at Christmas and would always reminisce about her swimming in Lake Michigan during her lunch breaks and her long bike rides along the shoreline.
She was part of a parish group that hosted events and she one day was working a penny carnival when a handsome stranger walked by and flirted with her. Little did she know this would become the turning point in her life. A few days later he left for the Phillipines as he was serving as a Seabee in the Navy. Once he returned they fell in love, got married and started their love story which included 7 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren whom they loved dearly. In the midst of their journey they started NF construction where my mom did all of the paperwork necessary to run a union company and all by hand in the midst of running a house filled with nine people.
She had great fun with the Spruce Street Athletic Club in Des Plaines and would always laugh about the pie throwing party they had and the outings they were always attending. The friends she made on Spruce Street were a great source of friendship and laughter during her life; none more so than her neighbor Delores Jacobsen.
Rosemary loved to walk and was on several bowling leagues and golf leagues during the summer. She looked back fondly on the several years she and Norm spent in Naples Florida during the month of February where she walked daily along the beach. She loved to call her family and brag about the 80 degree and sunny days they were having.
Rosemary’s faith became a great source of strength for her as she mourned her beloved husband Norm and moved into Clarendale of Algonquin. She bravely moved in alone for the first time in her life and made friends with the residents and the wonderful staff who watched out for her and made her comfortable. Her nickname was “Trouble” due to the constant pranks she played on the staff. She cherished the time she had there with her sister Irene who helped her navigate such a difficult time.
Her role as a mom of 6 boys and 1 girl was filled with laundry, grocery store trips, car rides and lots of helping throughout her years and she never once complained about her workload. She taught her children to always help people in need, and how to take care of your loved ones. She was always there for anyone needing help and only wanted to be remembered for treating others with kindness and respect.
She is preceeded in death by her loving husband Norman Fang (1933-2023). She leaves behind her seven children: Tom Fang, Mike (Erin) Fang, Steve (Eda) Fang, Kevin (Shelly) Fang, Rick (Marie) Fang, Michelle Martorano (Vince), Eric (Mary) Fang, her grandchildren Zeke (Angela) Fang, Luke Fang, Rachel (Kevin) Solley, Nicholas (Elizabeth) Martorano, Erich Fang, Sydney Fang and Great Grandchildren Hunter Fang and Owen Solley.
Her wake will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Rosemary Fang’s name can be made to St. Mary’s Church in Huntley.
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Hoping caring thoughts give you comfort as you think about your wonderful mom.
Steve and family. May your mother rest in peace. What a beautifully written obituary that makes you feel as if you are following her life from one scene to another. The many memories that your entire family and generations have of your mother sound wonderful. I can't imagine being without my mother as we talk almost everyday. Cherish the times that were spent together for whatever occasion and know that she is always watching over all of you.
My prayers go out to the family during this time. May you find peace in knowing her memory is one of great respect.