Rosemarie Horan Knox, a woman of remarkable grace, wit, and longevity, passed away peacefully on Feb. 9, 2026, at the age of 102. To those who knew her, Rosemarie wasn’t just a centenarian. She was a constant source of light, a devoted matriarch and the light in every room she entered. Born in Spangler, Pa., in 1923, to the late Peter and Mary Horan, Rosemarie’s life spanned a century of profound change. She was the last surviving sibling of a large, spirited family, preceded in death by James, Joseph, William, and Robert Horan, as well as Irene Wiseman, Hazel Carson Ayes and Patricia Smith. Together, Rosemarie and her sisters were affectionately known as “The Golden Girls” — a title earned through their playful humor, shared laughter and unbreakable bond. Rosemarie’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her two devoted daughters: Sharon Cotter and her husband, Terry of Houston, Texas; and Diane Knox Petronko (wife of the late Dennis Petronko) of Pittsburgh. She was the “Gram” who knew every detail of her family’s lives, leaving behind five cherished grandchildren: Nicholas Petronko, Kristina Petronko (Jonathan Lafky), Mathew Cotter (Sayure), Christopher Cotter, and Ryan Cotter. She was also the proud great-grandmother of five, whose photos and stories she was always delighted to share with anyone she met. During World War II, she served her community at the local Rationing Board, a testament to her lifelong commitment to others. She later retired from Brookvale Manufacturing in Monessen, where she applied her characteristic precision and care to the craft of tailoring men’s suits. Her zest for life was perhaps best seen at the card table. Whether at the Charleroi Senior Center or with the Red Hats or the Mon Valley Travel Club, Rosemarie was happiest with a deck of cards in her hand. Most recently, as a resident of Ashton Commons in Wexford, she founded a weekly card club in the bistro, ensuring that her legacy of community and playfulness would continue to brighten the lives of her neighbors. A woman of deep and steadfast faith, Rosemarie was a longtime member of St. Sebastian Church in Belle Vernon. She walked through life with a quiet confidence in her creator, often remarking, “When the Lord is ready, I’m ready.” The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Rosemarie Knox to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-9296183. The Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Prayers of Transfer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, followed by funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael Thomas as celebrant. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Rosemarie Knox to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.
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