Rosemary Gajewski Karaffa

Rosemary (nee Mayernick) Gajewski Pingitore Karaffa died May 16, 2026 under hospice care at the age of 93. Born July 9, 1932, Rosemary was the first child of Joseph and Mary Mayernick. She was raised in a predominantly Slovak neighborhood in Detroit and graduated from St. Ladislaus High School in 1950. Predeceased by her husbands, Leonard Gajewski, Sr. in 1989; Frank Pingitore in 2006; and Eugene Karaffa in 2016. Survived by her loving children: James (Carol) Gajewski, Jeannemarie (Anthony) Trotta, Mary (William) Ibianski, Paul (Ellen) Gajewski, and Leonard (Jewel) Gajewski, Jr. Also survived by nine grandchildren: Christy (Paul) , James, Anthony (fiancee Kennedy), Thomas (Brianna), David, Brandon (Cardi), Maribeth (Steve), Trevor, and Danielle (Kyle); and five great grandsons: Matthew, Hunter, Parker, Noah and Louis. Predeceased by her only sibling, Thomas, and his wife Irene. Survived by her sister-in-law Helen Gajewski. A devout Catholic, she married Leonard, in 1954, and started their family. She worked part-time at Detroit Receiving General Hospital and then full time at Chrysler Corporation as an administrative assistant where she retired in 1996. Rosemary was a life-long learner and continued improving her skills by taking computer classes while working. Baking was one of Rosemary's passions. Her specialties were apple and pumpkin pies, always perfecting her pie crusts, which were the best; coffee cakes and lots and lots of Christmas cookies. She dabbled in sewing and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She later picked up ceramics and one can find some of her pieces in her children's homes to this day. Many memories of vacations, including in Gaylord winter skiing and camping at North Higgins Lake watching her children water ski. After retiring from Chrysler, Rosemary married Frank, and they became snowbirds in St. Pete, Florida. They worked diligently with the UAW retirees helping with their benefits and hosting picnics. They were also involved in the Italian Club in Florida and were bocce ball champions. At the age of 74, Rosemary started to golf, which became her passion. She joined a women's league in Beverly Hills, Florida and had a hole in one at Little Pine Trail. After marrying Eugene, she introduced him to the sport and together they spent many winters in Florida and summers in Michigan golfing. In her later years, Rosemary truly enjoyed going out to eat with her children, going to the Slovak and Polish church festivals and the theatre. She loved playing pinochle with her children & UNO and Michigan Rummy with her grandchildren. Her last few years, our beloved Mom resided at the Town Village of Sterling Heights, GEM memory care. We thank and appreciate all the workers at the GEM who played an integral part in caring for our Mom and to AccentCare Hospice for their compassion and support. Memorial donations can be made to the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, 1820 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit, Michigan 48207 and Alzheimer’s Association research.

Rosemary Gajewski Karaffa

July 9, 1932 - May 16, 2026