Rosemary Ann Hakim

Born in Michigan (1937) to Shaw and Mary Hakim of Grosse Pointe Park, took her final breath at home, comfy and cozy in her own bed, in Sonoma, California, on May 1, 2017 at 8 a.m. (exactly five weeks after her 80th birthday). Her legacy will continue through her five devoted children (plus, their three spouses), ten grandchildren (plus two spouses), and two great-grandsons. Six of her seven remaining siblings still reside in Michigan, along with scores of beloved family members in the Chaldean community, all over Michigan, as well as in the Southern California area. She will be sorely missed, and yet, ever present in our lives. Rosemary was originally diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer in February, 2011. During the six years in between tumor reoccurrences, Rosemary enjoyed retirement surrounded by family and friends. She traveled, volunteered at her local grandchildren's schools, gardened, cooked, and generally enjoyed holiday gatherings, especially her annual Camp RahRah. She also encouraged every member of her family to get tested for the BRCA2 genetic mutation, since she learned she carried it, even though neither of her parents ever had cancer. She was a pragmatist. One of her mantras: "Knowledge is power", led her to seek out every possible avenue of treatment through the years, as she blended more traditional treatment modalities with alternative treatments. Rosemary was well known for her kind and generous, nurturing heart. She always had encouraging words for every person with whom she came into contact. Even when she was feeling her worst, and up until the end of her life, she was happy to see visitors, and remembered details about them. Always the gracious hostess, Rosemary made sure that her visitors were taken care of, even as she endured the fight for her life. Rosemary has been described as loving, determined, strong, hard-working, tenacious, fiercely loyal, skilled in business and life, intense, spirited, feisty, persistent, and beautiful, inside, and out. She would often be heard giving business and financial advice to friends and family members alike. "Cash is king", she would say. She was determined to pass along her aversion to carrying debt of any kind in her life. In fact, she seized every opportunity to teach others what she had learned to make her the successful and fiscally resourceful person she was. Rosemary grew up in an entrepreneurial family, participated in running the family business (roller skating rinks), as well as working full time in the Wayne County judicial system, after a career at J.L. Hudson's. Rosemary is also affectionately remembered as Ro, Rosie, RahRah, Rah-ree and 'RAH' (her initials). Rosemary is survived by her children: Lynn Abaté-Johnson (Corey), Angela Aymin (John), Julia Abaté, Anthony Abaté, Nicole Abaté Ducarroz (Jean-François), her grandchildren: Jonathan Aymin (Julianna), Elizabeth Aymin Marquez (Joe), Sarah Aymin, Kate Aymin, Nikita, Jonas and Julien Ducarroz, Mickey and Val Abaté, Rafe Abaté and great-grandsons Vinny and Victor Aymin. Rosemary is also survived by her siblings (all in Michigan) Joseph Hakim, David Hakim, Paul Hakim (Pam), Amelia Hakim, Theresa Hakim Fiedler (Doug), Barbara Hakim Ladendorf (John) and their children, many of whom loved RahRah like a second mother. Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Shaw Hakim and her brother, Edward Hakim. Rosemary was passionate about education, and while she loved flowers, her pragmatic sensibilities dictate that memorial donations to Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (Tax ID# 68-0279152) are welcome. Visit: svgreatschools.org/donate and in the section for "Additional Comments", please designate your gift "In Memoriam for Rosemary A. Hakim". Celebrations of Rosemary's life are being planned by her families, both in Sonoma, California (Open House at Nicole's home on Sunday, June 18th from 12 to 5 p.m.), and in Michigan. For further details about either celebration, please email RahRah@ducarroz.org.

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