Rosemary F. Barton, 72, of Niles died at 6:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, 2010 at Hospice House in South Bend following a brief illness.

She was born Nov. 2, 1937 in Queens, N.Y. to William and Anna (Flynn) Buckley. She graduated from high school and commercial college in New York City, and lived in Niles for 30 years.

Rosemary was employed in the executive offices of Tyler Refrigeration in Niles for 30 years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles. She volunteered with the Special Olympics of Niles and the Chiara Home of South Bend. She enjoyed reading books, but her greatest interest was caring for her family, especially her grandchildren, to whom she was “Noni.”

Her surviving family includes her daughter, Judy Ziolkowski of South Bend; a son, Terry Barton of Niles; grandchildren, Amanda and Benjamin; and a sister, Joan Hart of Satellite Beach, Fla.

She was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters.

The family will gather privately for services. There will be no public visitation.

Contributions in memory of Rosemary may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, the Special Olympics, Chiara House or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.