Rosemarie Teresa Dykeman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, and nurse, passed away on September 18, 2023, at the age of 81, following a valiant 35-year battle with cancer. She was born to Theresa and Rocco Bombardieri, proprietors of the renowned Bombardieri’s Bakery, on September 4, 1942. Raised in a nurturing, multi-generational home surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts and siblings, Rosemarie’s heart was set on creating a large and loving family, a dream she fulfilled alongside her husband, James (Jim) R. Dykeman Jr.

Throughout her life, Rosemarie cherished her relationship with her and Jim’s parents, aunts/uncles, siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces/nephews, and great nephews. She possessed an unwavering commitment to staying connected, always reaching out to ensure their well-being, even in her final days.

Rosemarie’s life was full. She dedicated 45 years to the nursing profession, working in almost every part of the field and finding true happiness in each position. During their near 57-year marriage, Rosemarie and Jim lovingly raised four children, rejoicing in all aspects of their lives, and joyfully welcoming their growing families. Above all, Rosemarie valued time with family, whether it was cooking or baking, beach outings, playing cards, or traveling and embarking on adventures. Her answer to any invitation was always a resounding “Yes!”

A true friend, Rosemarie maintained friendships from every walk of her life—from her very first friend at the age of one, to kindergarten, middle & high school, nursing school, Nashua NH neighbors, to those she met on Cape Cod through Station Ave. Elementary School and the Dennis-Yarmouth School District, as well as her cherished book club.

While Rosemarie will be remembered for so many things, her strength, grace, unwavering courage, and positive attitude in facing multiple cancer diagnoses since 1988 will shine most brightly. She never relinquished hope and her resilience inspired everyone in her life to also keep hope alive until the very end.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her oncology doctor Dr. Beverly Moy, nurse practitioner Loren Winters, and the receptionist who always checked Rosemarie in with a smile, a hug, and a bit of sparkle, Myrna Snyder, and the entire team at Mass General Hospital, as well as Dr. Ann Gryboski of Cape Cod Healthcare, and the incredible staff at VNA of Cape Cod Hospice, including particularly her primary nurse, Karen Foss, and nurse’s aide, Lisa Gough. Their expertise and loving care were immeasurable and will forever be appreciated by the family.

In honor of Rosemarie’s love of science and medicine, and her never-ending role as a caretaker, Rosemarie’s desire was to have her body donated to MGH’s Rapid Autopsy Program for genetic analysis in cancer research. Her enduring hope is that MGH scientists might uncover valuable insight from her genes which could help save lives in the future.

Rosemarie is survived by her devoted husband, Jim, her children, Rosemarie (Christopher), Christine (Martha), Margaret (John), David (Cori), her grandchildren, Courtney Rose (Kevin), Peter, Alexandria, Iz, Sophia and Lyla, and her great grandchildren, James Andrew and Eleanor Rose. She is also survived by her siblings Marietta, Rocco (Merle), Louise, Gina (Geoff), and sister-in-law Eileen (John).

Her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering familial and friendship bonds will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege and honor to know her.

In lieu of flowers, Rosemarie’s family requests donations be made to Mass General Hospital Cancer Center, VNA Of Cape Cod Hospice, or The Cape Playhouse.

Visitation will be held at the Hallet Funeral Home, South Yarmouth Massachusetts, Friday, October 27, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Pius X Church, Station Ave in South Yarmouth, MA. Collation to follow.

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