Rosemary Catherine Pimms

Rosemary Catherine Pimms was born on December 28, 1931, in Wapato, WA., to Bert French and Isabelle Craig French. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her children in Seattle, WA at the age of 94. Rosemary was a proud member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation with other tribal lineage with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla.

 Rosemary grew up in White Swan, WA and attended the local schools. Upon graduating from White Swan High School, she attended Haskell Indian Jr College (Nations University) in Lawrence, Kansas. Returning home on summer break she married Ray W. Pimms, Jr. (1931-2002) on a hot summer day, July 25, 1959, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in White Swan. After the honeymoon in Lincoln City, OR., the two decided to make their new life and moved to Tacoma for a short time and then made Seattle, WA their permanent residence in 1962. Rosemary studied Nursing at Seattle Pacific University where she met dear friend of the family Regina Wachowski of Pennsylvania. Rosemary had to put her studies on hold as she began to raise a family of five children; Byron (Katherine) Pimms; Beatrice (Keith) Lorimor; Richard Pimms and Victoria Pimms all residing in the Seattle area. Her busy life led her to begin a job working at the VA Hospital in Seattle as the Operating Room Lead Administrator, where she eventually retired after 25 + years of service. 

Upon retiring, she and Ray enjoyed traveling all over the Northwest. Her favorite destination was Montana with the Ketah Family in the summertime or spending time camping on the Yakama reservation with family enjoying all that came with it. She loved the Ocean: Westport, LaPush and Hawaii. Hawaiian Luau’s around the Seattle area we’re a family and neighborhood celebration. Rosemary and Ray were proud to be original Seattle Seahawks Season Ticket holders and would always cheer on their team. 

She loved to read, garden, Cook and canning; Salmon, Huckleberries, jams and jellies. She was very creative, crafty and was a gifted seamstress. Growing up on a ranch, the Pendleton Round-Up was in her blood. She loved camping in the Village and visiting with relatives and meeting new friends. Her “Fun Meter” button was always on high when she was sitting in the Howdyshell Box seats watching each go-round, in the evenings, Happy Canyon with her sisters was time for dancing. After Pendleton was in the books, her bags were once again packed to attend the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas where she also loved to play the slots. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1 “Mother Aerie” in Seattle, WA. and the American Legion Auxiliary, Wapato, WA.

 Rosemary lived for good times and happy memories with loved ones; there didn’t have to be a special occasion. Because if she were there, the occasion and her presence would make it special. Rosemary was adored by everyone that she met; she was a thoughtful, compassionate, loving, and the sweetest person! One might say, as sweet as the See’s chocolates, ice cream and cookies that she would never turn down. She had a quick wit about her when you weren't expecting it! She will be dearly missed by all who’s lives she has touched. 

Rosemary a devoted catholic is preceded in death by her husband Ray W. Pimms, Jr.; her son Raymond William Pimms, III; Her father and mother Bert French and Isabelle Craig French; Her siblings, Lydia J. Johnson, Amanda Watlamet, Beatrice French, Ione Watlamet, Ruth Butler, Joan Goudy, Hilbert French, Linus French, Thomas French and Francis French, and many nephews and nieces. 

Rosemary’s viewing will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato, WA on Thursday, January 22, from 3pm to 7pm with the Rosary beginning at 5pm. Funeral Services will begin at 10am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in White Swan, WA on Friday, January 23. Followed by the burial at Abraham Cemetery in White Swan, WA. Dinner will follow at the White Swan Community Center.