Rosetta Kerin

Rosetta Johanna Kerin nee Walz was the beloved wife of the late Lt. Col. Leo Kerin. She was the very dear mother of Barbara L. Kerin of New York, NY, as well as Leo John Kerin Ann of Fairbanks, Alaska and Rosetta J. Craig Ben R. of Shaker Heights, OH. Rosetta was a loving grandmother to Britton L. and Elizabeth J. Kerin, Jessie W., Johanna L. and Barbara A. Craig. Living the motto that "it's never too late to follow your dreams," Rosetta, at the age of 91, inspired audiences with a duet she danced in a wheelchair with Sabatino Verlezza. She was a favorite of fine arts students at Kent State University where she twice performed Rosetta's Dance before a packed audience during Disabilities Week, 2007 and 2008. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, January 15, 2PM in the Solarium of Sunrise of Shaker Heights, 16333 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH. Hospitality offered in Rosetta's room until 5 pm. As there is little room for flowers, please consider a tax deductible Memorial Gift given Rosetta's her name to Verlezza Dance, 16724 Lomond Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120. Rosetta Johanna Kerin was born on February 28th, 1917 in Lemont, Illinois to John and Evelyn Walz. She was married to Leo Kerin, who was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force until his retirement in 1969. Rosetta was a proud school teacher throughout her life. Her memory will live on through the hearts and minds of her former students, friends and family. Since coming to Ohio in March of 2007, Rosetta enjoyed many blessings, including the security of assisted living at Sunrise of Shaker Heights, daily visits from daughter, Rosie, shaggy dog stories from son-in-law Ben and Church every Sunday, including two "White Easters" where her response to venturing out in the Easter snow drifts was, "As long as I'm not driving!". She traveled to Columbus in 2007 to see her grand-daughter, Barbara Johanna's white coat ceremony at the onset of medical school. Barbara enjoyed taking her Grandma to school plays and dance performances, and they frequent dinner partners at the old fashioned Wendy's, often following the five o'clock church service. Grandson Jesse paired up with Rosetta three times a week, taking her to Pilates and wheelchair dancing classes, where Rosetta especially enjoyed watching Jesse put through his paces while learning to move gracefully. She dearly loved going out every day in the summer to check on the growth of the cherry tomatoes - objects she referred to as her "little dears." Her son Jack and daughter Barbara Lee came in from out of town for regular visits. Rosetta's life changed this past October 30th when she experienced a stroke. As one would have expected of Rosetta, she tried her best at rehabilitation. Although further complications ensued, she bravely celebrated this past Christmas with members of her family, whom she truly cherished. After Christmas, she "returned home" to her room at Sunrise where she peacefully passed away, surrounded by people who knew and cared for her. Following Rosetta's memorial service here in Ohio, her remains will be taken to Arlington, Virginia, where she will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery next to her loving husband, the late Lt. Col. Leo Kerin.


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