Rosemary McKenna McBride, of Oxford, New York, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on January 19, 2021 after a brief battle with COVID-19. Rosemary was the eldest of Joseph and Agnes McKenna’s four children. She was born in the Bronx in 1937 where she lived until the early 1960’s. During her childhood, Rosemary lived with and was surrounded by her immediate and extended family of Scottish immigrants. She also developed strong bonds with those in her neighborhood who went on to become her lifelong friends. After graduating from St. Alphonsus High School, she held many different jobs. She always fondly remembered being a travel agent which allowed her to visit many great places, especially Cuba.
In 1958, Rosemary married Peter J. McBride and together they had four children, Agnes, Peter, Dennis and Maureen. In 1963, Rosemary and Pete moved from the Bronx to the home they built for their family in Rockland County. In December of 1971, they continued their adventure and moved to rural Oxford, New York. Yes, they moved to Oxford in December. Together they embraced the small-town life. Moving to a rural area and living three miles from town was a big change for Rosemary but she embraced the adventure of her new life. Well, maybe she did not embrace the horses (who always seemed to escape in the middle of the night), the snowmobiles (which always seemed to break down really far from home), driving in the snow, or the time there was a snake in the laundry room but she loved and welcomed everyone. A natural hostess, her house was always filled with people, whether they were local, visiting from far away or those who came to visit and ended up moving in.
Rosemary and Pete spent years renovating their 1835 farmhouse and started a few small businesses. Pete practiced law in the area for over 40 years with Rosemary working as his first secretary. In the seventies, they refurbished an old butcher shop and created the cozy pub and still existing institution known as the “Oxford Tavern.” Remarkably, they both had little or no restaurant experience when they opened the Tavern but of course that would not stop them. In the eighties, they renovated and operated the banquet and dance hall known as the “Halfway House.” Oh, the fun so many people had in those places! Everyone who spent time at the Tavern or the Halfway House came away with a story and a memorable experience.
Rosemary will also be fondly remembered as the owner and operator of Chenango Amusements. For thirty years, Rosemary, with the help of her long-time friend, Pat Byrne, ran the small vending company providing games, juke boxes and other amusements to bars, restaurants and other establishments. She kept up with the transformation from 45’s in the jukebox to iTunes in her classic, understated manner. Owning the business also meant that she knew more about the Billboard top 100 than any of her children.
Rosemary and Pete loved to travel. During their 59-year marriage, they visited five continents and met many people who became lifelong friends. While Rosemary may have moved away from the Bronx, she did not leave the Bronx behind. Throughout her life she remained close with her friends who became part of our family. Catherine Lynch and Ronnie Malone were her chosen sisters whom she loved dearly.
For the last twenty-five years, Rosemary split her time between Oxford and Margate, Florida. Rosemary and Pete bought a place in Oriole Gardens III, known as OG III. This became much more than a snowbird destination for them. Over the years, OG III evolved into a replica of their Bronx neighborhoods where they reunited with many of their childhood friends. Visiting OG III was always an adventure, you never knew what to expect but were guaranteed there was a party somewhere. Rosemary loved spending time with her many friends and family at OG III. Her beloved sister, Terry Keegan, lived a few doors away and always popped in for a chat or cup of tea. She also loved when her family came to visit and looked forward to the annual “McKenna Family Fun” trips. Rosemary loved her time in Florida whether she was shopping, laughing, dancing or just having fun with everyone.
Rosemary was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Peter J. McBride, her son, Peter, and her brother Dennis McKenna. She was survived by her daughter, Agnes McBride of Norwich, New York, son, Dennis, who passed away on February 24, 2021, daughter Maureen McBride of New York, New York, daughter-in-law, Jill McBride, and her cherished grandchildren, Mara and Peter McBride of Manlius, New York. Rosemary was also survived by her sister, Theresa Keegan and her husband Edward, who passed away on March 13, 2021, her brother, Joseph McKenna and wife Jill, her in-laws, Ann McKenna, Joseph McBride and Jack Sexton, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Rosemary, with her wit, charm and elegance will be missed terribly by her family and friends.
The family is requesting that any donations be made in her name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court Street, Norwich, New York 13815.