Rosemary (Ouellette) Jennings

SALEM – Rosemary (Ouellette) Jennings, 96 of Salem, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, with her family by her side.

Born in Peabody, May 20, 1930, the daughter of the late George and Margaret (Hardiman) Ouellette.

She attended Thomas Carroll School and graduated from Peabody High School Class of 1948 where she was a cheerleader for the football team.

She was the loving wife of the late Captain William Jennings of the Salem Police Department with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.

In her early years, she worked for Salem Foodland, where she met her husband, Bill. While raising her children, she worked for the Salem School Department cafeteria. She took great pride in her work and was known for her warm smile, friendly personality and kind heart.

Rosemary was devoted to her faith and a member of Saint James Parish in Salem. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cheering them on at the girls’ soccer games, track meets and dance recitals and the boys’ hockey, football and baseball games.

She enjoyed traveling to Florida each winter and exploring the beauty of New England. Her most cherished trip was to Ireland with her beloved husband and his family - a journey she always held close to her heart.

She was predeceased by her siblings, sister, Margaret (Annette) Grenier, brothers George, John, Robert and Ralph and her daughter Kathleen (Jennings) Rizzotti and dear friend Winnie Condon.

She is survived by her sons, Sgt. William Jennings of the Salem Police Department (Ret.) and his wife, Cathy and Brian Jennings and his wife, Janice, all of Salem. Son-in-law, Frank Rizzotti of Falmouth. Grandchildren, Victoria Jennings Redican, Brittany Jennings, Frank Rizzotti and Jackson and Connor Jennings. Great-grandchildren, Riley and Jaymes. She is also survived by her two special nieces, Debbie Morais and Maryanne Ouellette and nephew, Robert Ouellette and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Above all, she will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness and the love she shared generously with everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured and the countless lives she touched.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Rosemary’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Wednesday, July 8th at 12 NOON with her burial to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 12 NOON. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.