Rosemary Ann Mccurdy

Rosemary Ann McCurdy, 73, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in her Wyomissing residence. She and her husband Barry L. McCurdy would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on September 17th.

She was born in Reading to the late Robert and Jane (Pagnotti) Bitting.

Rosie, as her friends knew her, graduated from Holy Name High School, now known as Berks Catholic, before enrolling at Kutztown University. In 1971, she graduated with a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education and she went on to earn her Master's in School Counseling.

Mrs. McCurdy worked for the Reading School District for over 48 years, loving her work, the children and families she served, and the professionals she supported. She worked as a school counselor at Thirteenth & Union Elementary, Thirteenth & Green Elementary, and in June of 2022, she retired from Northwest Area Elementary where she spent the majority of her career.

She was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church.

Rose treasured her family, and insisted that their journey home after a visit was always followed with a text just saying " home" so she knew they were safe. She loved the beach, and she eagerly counted down the days to the family's annual vacation in Cape May. Her advocacy for children's education, particularly in urban environments, love for her family, enjoyment of Italian food, and deep care for animals was evident to everyone who knew and loved her.

Rose's favorite thing in life was to be with her family - sitting on the deck together or around the kitchen island, telling stories, and talking about the simplest things. Family birthdays or holidays meant a card and treat for the grandkids, always mailed to arrive on time. She was a "regular" at the Hallmark store, making sure to select the perfect card for birthdays, always looking to get a laugh - telling everyone to pass the card around after it was opened. She loved to take care of anyone who walked through the front door of her home, offering food, coffee, whatever she had on hand. She adored her dogs and had a profound respect for all life. She was often seen "rescuing" bugs that accidentally found themselves inside the house. Rose had another unexpected passion in life - her love for driving BMWs and the entire car shopping process. Her family often joked that she should sell cars at the dealership because she could persuade anyone it was time for a new car. And if you took the risk of voluntarily telling Rose you were car shopping, she was ready with opinions.

Left to cherish Rose's memory is her husband, Barry; their children: Erin E. Barnwell, wife of Keith, of Hatboro; Cally R. Sullivan, wife of Steve, of Glenside; and Casey G. McCurdy, husband of Kelly, of Newtown; and grandchildren, Lincoln, Kennedy, Roman, Mackenzie, and Cameron.

Contributions in Rosemary's memory may be made to Humane Pennsylvania, 1729 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 2600 St Albans Dr, Reading, PA 19609, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the start of mass. Dress your own style as Rose would prefer a celebration of her life. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.