Rosemary Haley

Rosemary Teresa Hellman Haley, a resident of Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2017.      She was born October 19, 1923, in Covington, KY, to the late Joseph Andrew and Hilda Seiler Hellman. At the age of 9, Rosemary’s family moved to Danville where her father was an investor in The Danville Dairy. As a child she spent countless hours with her siblings, cousins and other family members working at the Dairy.  Rosemary was educated in the Danville Public Schools and a 1941 graduate of George Washington High School.  Rosemary married the late William F. Haley, Sr., who pre-deceased her in 1976.  She was predeceased by a sister, Joanne Hellman Lewis of Danville; two brothers, Walter J. Hellman formerly of Danville and Richard Hellman of Elgin, SC; a daughter, Anne Marie Haley Atkins (Norman) of Danville; a granddaughter, Rosemary Corinne Scott Snyder (John) of Roanoke, VA.; and a grandson, Lieutenant Colonel William R. Watkins III (Melissa) of Goldsboro, N.C.      As a young mother, Rosemary actively involved herself as a “stay-at-home” mom in her children’s lives, always opening her heart and home to their friends.  Lovingly known as “Gran” by those closest to her, she was an avid reader and enjoyed needlework and knitting in her spare time. As a young widow, Rosemary dedicated her life to her eight children, instilling in them the importance of maintaining strong family relationships that are now passed on to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Family was her priority; she always cherished time spent preparing family meals and attending school functions, dance recitals and sporting events. Rosemary was an active and faithful member of, and was the most tenured member of, Sacred Heart Catholic Church.      Rosemary is survived by seven of her eight children. Her surviving sons are William F. Haley Jr., (Carolyn) of Danville; Charles Joseph Haley (Leslie) of Midlothian, Va.; Philip Andrew Haley (Pat) of Danville; and Jeffrey V. Haley (Sarah) of Danville. Her three surviving daughters are Judy Haley Hooker (Tim), of Danville; Betty Stuart Haley Scott (Jim), of Beckley, W. Va.; and Terri Haley Hall (Phil), of Danville.       Surviving grandchildren are Mary Garrett Itin (Bob) and Barksdale Watkins; Melanie, Kristen and John Hooker (Kathleen); Jim Scott; Ricky and Cindy Haley; Meghan Whitney (Tim); Reagan and Alex Haley; Ann Cameron Schieber (Michael), Peyton Hetzer (T.J.) and Stuart Haley; Chris Hall (Kim), Katie Dishman (Steven) and Meredith Hall; Jeffrey and Catherine Haley. Rosemary was also blessed with 11 surviving great grandchildren.       A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Rosemary’s life will be Monday, November 20, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with Father Jonathan Goertz officiating.  Immediately following, a graveside service will take place at Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 4-7 PM at her daughter Terri Hall’s residence, 432 Hawthorne Drive, Danville.      The family wishes to thank the staff of Roman Eagle for the loving and compassionate care provided to our mother.      In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School, 540 Central Blvd., Danville, VA 24541.      Townes Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.