Rosemary (Shea) Petruzzi of Woodbury was born on March 21, 1936—the first day of Spring—at her family's Baldwin Street home and medical office in Waterbury, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Dr. Vincent T. Shea and Helen Louise Scully Shea, the eldest of nine siblings, a role that shaped her into a thoughtful observer and listener, gifts she carried into her career as a psychotherapist.

As a child, Rosemary enjoyed accompanying her father, Dr. Vincent T. Shea, on house calls and spent summers sailing with her sisters at Quanset Camp on Cape Cod. She attended Notre Dame Academy in Waterbury, Lauralton Hall in Milford, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY.

In 1957, while teaching at Walsh School in Waterbury, Rosemary met her future husband, Leonard J. Petruzzi. Together, they built a lively and loving home, raising four children. Rosemary was known for her individuality—her striking blue and green eyes, playful pigtails, and colorful wardrobe. She found joy in simple pleasures: heartfelt phone calls, soul music, reading, and bargain hunting at Marshall's. She and Leonard were active in their community, dedicating time to local organizations, the March of Dimes, and town committees. Rosemary cherished travel, from touring Italy to visiting friends in Ireland and road trips with her beloved husband.

After earning her advanced graduate degree in Pastoral Counseling and Family Therapy from St. Joseph's College in West Hartford, Rosemary established a counseling practice on their home property, affectionately called "The Yak Shack." She helped countless individuals navigate life's challenges, offering empathy, wisdom, and a dry wit that brought perspective, laughter, and reflection to those she served.

Rosemary is survived by her husband, Leonard J. Petruzzi; her sister-in-law, Mary Lucia Petruzzi of Southbury; her four children: Rosemary (Chris) Cocozza of Bethlehem, Mary Lawrence Petruzzi of Woodbury, Amy Petruzzi of Waterbury, and Peter (Rhonda) Petruzzi of Woodbury; her grandchildren: Felicity (Tim) Byrne and Leonard J. Petruzzi; her siblings: Dr. Richard (Sally) Shea of Watertown, Helen (Jay) Chittum of Woodbury, and Tara (Phil) Gryga of Wolcott. She leaves behind her brother and sisters-in-law, Leon F. Powers of Middlebury, Judy Shea of Woodbury, Kathie Shea of Wolcott, Heidi Shea of Middlebury, and Leonard Genovese of Florida. Also, many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her siblings: Sheila Shea Powers, Dr. Timothy Shea, David Shea, Atty. Paul Shea, and Colleen Shea Genovese.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Monarch of Southbury and all who treated Rosemary—and her hair—like royalty. Your kindness and care have been a blessing to all.

Rosemary's life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 8th. Calling hours are from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home in Woodbury, CT. A Catholic Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace (St. Teresa's Church) next door. Burial will take place in the spring at Riverside Cemetery, Waterbury.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the Franciscan Bread For The Poor, an organization Rosemary loved. Donations can be made at https://stfrancisbreadline.org or sent to 144 West 32nd Street, NY, NY 10001.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com