Obituary

Remembering Rosemary Cox

Rosemary Cox (Hoogterp), age 80, of Caledonia, was called home to be with Jesus on Friday, September 26, 2025, and is now reunited with her husband of 52 years, Pat Cox. She also now joins her parents, Bernard and Frances Hoogterp; infant son, John Cox; siblings, Bill Hoogterp, Bob Hoogterp; niece, Sarah; and nephews, Paul and Allan. Rosemary’s life was defined by faith, compassion, kindness, and a deep love for family. Family was always her priority, and she treasured the many memories made during “Cottage Week” when everyone was all together. She lived out her faith as an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and through her involvement in the community, always willing to give of her time and energy for others. She had a special gift for meeting people right where they were, always taking a genuine interest in their lives. Her calling to motherhood was one of her greatest joys, and she not only lovingly raised her own family but also opened her home and heart to many foster children, providing a safe and nurturing place for them to grow. Her role as both a mother and mentor extended far beyond her home, touching the lives of countless people in her community. Her legacy is one of love, faith, and encouragement. She never hesitated to lend a listening ear, offer words of support, or extend a helping hand. Whether through her work, her faith, or simply her presence, she left an imprint of warmth and care on everyone she met. True to her Irish heritage, Rosemary also enjoyed watching Notre Dame football. Above all, her legacy of faith, family, friends, and community will be forever cherished and will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Steve and Kerry Cox, Nancy and Scott Hill, Tom and Sara Cox, Joe and Lisa Cox, Chris and Marissa Cox, Katie and Shawn Sauve; many grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved her dearly; siblings, Jim and Gladys Hoogterp, Judy Bennett, Carol Hoogterp, John and Carol Hoogterp, Kathy and Andy Hubert, Anne and Jack Steele; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, Rosemary would want you to show kindness to those who need it most.  A Memorial Mass will be held 11 am Monday, October 6, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia, with Rev. Michael R. Cilibraise officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, October 5, from 4-7 pm at MKD Funeral Home, 616 E Main St SE, Caledonia, and also from 10-11 a.m. on Monday prior to the service at church.

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Monday, October 6 · 10:00am - 11:00am

Location

Holy Family Catholic Church

9669 Kraft SE
Caledonia, MI 49316

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, October 6 · 11:00am

Location

Holy Family Catholic Church

9669 Kraft SE
Caledonia, MI 49316

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute
Love and prayers for the Cox family. Rose Mary will be missed.

— Justin Kathy Mike Johnson

I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounded like a wonderful person. I wish I would of known her.

— Brenda Conway

To All the Kids and Their Families, I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Rosemary was always a kind, fun-loving person. She had an easy smile and a great laugh. She was fun to be around and had a warmth that put you at ease and made you feel like a good friend. I remember when Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Pat announced their engagement to the family in Grayling. I will always have fond memories of when Billy Cox and I visited with Rosemary and Pat at the Hoogterp Family cottage on the lake. Also, I will never forget the time that Rosemary and I were playing catch with Steve in the gravel pond. I dropped Steve and he went under water. It took us a few seconds to find Steve in the brackish water and when we pulled him out his eyes were huge as he gulped in the air. We loved Rosemary, she was more than an aunt - she was a special person. And we love all of her kids and their families. We are so sorry for your loss. Mike, Sharon and Shannon Hoffman

— Michael Hoffman

So many memories of Aunt Rosemary. Her house was filled with love, she laughed so much and so genuinely. She loved singing Irish folk songs at the piano with Uncle Pat and the kids and cousins and all of us. She truly cared and made you feel it. We are so lucky to have had her in our lives.

— Billy Hoogterp

Beautiful picture! Hugs to you all

— Linda Jirous

Till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, And the busy world hushed, and the fever of life is over,and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us safe lodging, and holy rest, and peace at last. Youv'e earned it Rosemary

— Steve & Grace Gulch

Roe was such a role model. Full of love and compassion and if you met her, you wanted to be more like her. I was blessed to have been her sister-in-law for 41 years. You will be missed. R.I.P.

— Carol Hoogterp

Leave a Tribute

Share a message with the family

Order Flowers

Send Flowers for Rosemary

Honor Rosemary with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

$100 + $15 Delivery Fee

Thinking of You Basket

$40 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Garden

$78 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Easel Spray

$150 + $15 Delivery Fee

Sincere Sympathy Garden

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

$30 + $15 Delivery Fee

Remembrance Easel Spray

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Natures Glory

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Loving Embrace

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Gerbera Greetings

$50 + $15 Delivery Fee

Colorful Memories Wreath

$315 + $15 Delivery Fee

Classic Sympathy

$65 + $15 Delivery Fee

Blooming Duo

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Bells of Beauty

$130 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Memories

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

$240 + $15 Delivery Fee

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.