Rosemary Starr Blair, 66, of Chester, passed away May 9 at Middlesex Hospital after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Rosemary was born on Sept. 4, 1956, in Middletown, the third child to the late Betty Gertrude Fargo and Russell William Fargo.

A lifelong Chester resident, she graduated from Valley Regional High School in 1975 and embarked on a long career of service to her community — as a 911 Emergency dispatcher at the Deep River Control Center, EMT and ambulance driver for the Chester Hose Company, job coach and driver for the developmentally disabled at SARAH Inc., and Brian House/AVP; and school bus driver for First Student. On more than one occasion, Rosemary answered a 911 call and then responded with the ambulance to the scene.

Rosemary was also dedicated to her family, serving as a frequent chaperone or room mom at Chester Elementary School, copilot on many family road trips, and caregiver for numerous relatives. She loved traveling, animals, the beach, camping at Hammonasset with her brother and sister, country music, and being the keeper of family recipes. Her short stature was complimented by a larger-than-life personality that, while occasionally embarrassing to her sons, made her the life of the party and a joy to be around. Rosemary was a bright light in our lives who faced adversity with a smile. We will miss her as a positive force in this world.

Rosemary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Bob, in 2018. She is survived by two sons, Robert Johnson Blair, his wife Kris, and a grandson, Burt, of Chester and Russell William Blair and his wife Carla of Manchester; a sister, Eileen (Fargo) Dallas, and her husband Larry of Old Saybrook; a brother, Kurt Fargo, of Bocas Del Toro, Panama; a sister-in-law, Laurie Blair, of Chester; a niece, Stacy Dallas; a nephew, Kyle Dallas; countless cousins; and many more friends, including the close-knit community at Cherry Hill Apartments.

The family would like to thank Rosemary’s doctors and nurses, particularly the hospice team on South 7 at Middlesex Hospital.

A private burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Chester. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at the Deep River Congregational Church, followed by a reception at the Swede Club. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Chester Hose Company, 6 High Street, Chester, CT 06412.