Rosemarie Ann Paulis

Mrs. Rosemarie Ann Paulis (Rosemarie Morrissey), lovingly known as Rosie, Ro, Gingy, and Mom, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina surrounded by her family. She was a beloved mother and wife and lived a life defined by deep faith, unconditional love, immense strength, and vivacity.

Rosemarie was born on August 9, 1949, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late Mary and Michael Patrick. She spent her childhood in New Jersey, where some of her fondest early memories included sneaking into the family bar and restaurant late at night to listen to her father play in his band. After studying psychology at Western Connecticut State College, Rosemarie began her career with Ethan Allen in Manhattan before becoming a pioneering woman in pharmaceutical sales.

She devoted many years to a distinguished career as Regional Sales Director at Searle Pharmaceuticals, later Pfizer, where she mentored and inspired many young women along the way. She earned deep respect for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment, and helped launch several important pharmaceutical products that impacted the lives of millions around the world. In the workplace, she was affectionately known as “Big Red,” a nod to her vivacious personality, signature strength, and unmatched ability to plan, organize, and get things done.

Following her retirement in 2000, Rosemarie turned her energy toward volunteering at Samantha’s school and serving her community through the local food pantry and Saints Philip and James Church. In her longtime neighborhood of Whitford Ridge, she was known as the social chair and the life of the party, organizing beloved events such as the Annual Lawn Mower Races, the Y2K New Year’s Party, and even a murder mystery or two.

Rosemarie married James Morrissey on August 22, 1987, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Danbury, Connecticut. Together, they welcomed their only daughter, Samantha Megan, in October 1990 in Chicago, Illinois, and later made their longtime family home in Exton, Pennsylvania.

Rosemarie is survived by her husband, James Morrissey, daughter, Samantha Morrissey Wolf; her son-in-law, Zachary Wolf; her dear sister, Joan Bramowicz; her brother-in-law, William Bramowicz; and many loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends whose lives she touched deeply. Nothing brought her greater joy than celebrating and supporting the people she loved most — whether cheering on her nieces and nephews, Christian, Nolen, and Ryann Petty at dance recitals and school performances, spending cherished time with family, or doting on her beloved grandpets, Kodie and Baloo. She brought warmth, encouragement, laughter, and unwavering love to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Rosemarie was especially devoted to her daughter, Samantha, wholeheartedly supporting her education, dreams, and accomplishments every step of the way — from The Hill School to the University of Pennsylvania, through medical and graduate school at the University of Louisville, and into residency and fellowship training at the University of North Carolina. She never let a special occasion pass without celebrating it thoughtfully, always ready with a heartfelt card, meaningful gift, or words of encouragement. Rosemarie understood deeply what a gift each day could be, and she never let a moment pass without saying “I love you” or “good morning.”

Rosemarie will be remembered with profound love and gratitude for the beautiful life she gave to those around her. Though our hearts are broken, her legacy of kindness, courage, strength, faith, vivacity, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who loved her.

May the Lord grant her eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

A viewing will be held at Saints Philip and James Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the church at 723 Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341. Donations may also be made to UVA Cancer Center's LGL Leukemia Program (Dr. Thomas Loughran) in support of Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia research at https://getinvolved.uvahealth.org/fundraiser/4087779