Rosemary Kathleen Day

 April 23, 1962 – June 30, 2025

Rosemary Kathleen Day, 63, of Taft, California, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, in Bakersfield, California. 

Born on April 23, 1962, in New Jersey, Rosemary was the beloved daughter of Francis Xavier Downey Jr. and Doris Loraine Garafano Downey. She spent her early years in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from Villa Maria High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a Master's degree from Cleveland State University.

In 1989, she married the love of her life, Leroy Allen Day, in Cleveland, Ohio. The couple moved to Taft, California, in 1990, where Rosemary began a long and impactful career as an educator at Taft Union High School. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to her students left a lasting legacy in the community. She taught until 2014, when she retired due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis, a battle she fought courageously for 12 years.

Rosemary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who treasured time with her family above all. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Leroy Day; her son Jacob Lee Day and his wife Anaid; and her cherished grandchildren Leah, Hazley, and Joao Day. She also leaves behind her brother Frank Downey and his wife Linda of Scottsdale, Arizona; her nephew Patrick Downey and his wife Samantha of New York City; and her niece Catherine Downey of Los Angeles, California.

Rosemary’s life was marked by strength, grace, and deep love for her family, friends, and students. She will be remembered for her kindness, her wit, and the unwavering determination she showed throughout her life. In

A memorial service will be held on July 19th, 2025 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Taft, CA at 9:00 am, following the service will be a burial at West Side Cemetery at 10:30 am and a Celebration of Life with lunch at the Taft Fort at 12pm.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rosemary’s honor to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice.

Her legacy will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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