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Rose Marie McFarlane, age 87, of Sturgis, and longtime former resident of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, passed away Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, at Sparrow Senior Living in Sturgis.
She was born at home in Beal City, Michigan on August 28, 1938, daughter of the late John and Kathleen (Judge) Neyer.
Rose resided in Sturgis since 2020, coming from Venice, Florida. Her early life and working years were lived in Mount Pleasant, where she was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy with the class of 1956. She furthered her education at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in education.
Her teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse in Beal City, where she taught kindergarten through eighth grades. She later taught third grade for over 30 years with Mount Pleasant Public Schools, retiring in 1997. Following her retirement, she served as an interim administrator at Vowels Elementary School. Prior to beginning her teaching career, Rose worked as an airline stewardess.
On August 1, 1959, she married the love of her life, Jerry McFarlane, at Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Pleasant. He preceded her in death.
Rose was a member of Sacred Heart Parish. While living in Mount Pleasant, she belonged to several bridge clubs, the Gourmet Club, and the Ladies Stock Club. She enjoyed playing golf and Mah-Jongg, laying on the beach, and had a passion for travel, especially trips to Europe.
She is survived by her children: Michael McFarlane of Irons, Michigan; Melissa (Charles) Townsend of Springfield, Ohio; and Mari (David) Campbell of Sturgis; son-in-law: Donald Simpson; grandchildren: Christopher, Davis, Angela, Caitlyn, Alicia, Merritt, Andrew, Jared, Patrick, Kyle, Charlie Jane, Emily, and Mac; eighteen great-grandchildren; brothers: Jack Neyer and Ken (Diane) Neyer; sisters: Jane (Mike) Bacon and Patty (Mike) Gostola; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Margaret McFarlane-Simpson; granddaughter, Eliza Smith; and brother, Bob Neyer.
In honoring Mrs. McFarlane’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Pleasant at a later date to be announced. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Mount Pleasant.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis and Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Sparrow House Senior Living, 201 Broadus Street, Sturgis, MI 49091, or Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, P.O. Box 522, Mount Pleasant, MI 48804-0522.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
