A woman of many years and many places

Born all the way back in 1925, on January 7 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rosemary Dexter just marked 100 years on the planet. In the last 100 years, she has spread her joy and compassion throughout most of the U.S. before she landed in Atascadero with her late husband, Reverend Rollin Dexter, in the early ’80s. From raising five children to being the wife of a Methodist pastor, Rosemary has lived a full life, and she’s still got many more miles to go.

“To people who know how the Methodist church operates, or operated in the 1950s, that will explain why the Dexter family moved so often. From the time I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sally and Don in Stockton and Ione, California, Jack’s birth in Hammond, Illinois, and then David arriving in El Paso, Texas, to the time we were all leaving home, we moved a total of 11 times,” stated Rosemary’s daughter, Carol Parente, of growing up in the Dexter household. “Each time we moved it meant saying goodbye to friends. But each time we moved, we brought our family friends with us. I do think that is one of the experiences that made us so tight. As we left home and moved all over the country, we still looked forward to gathering for the week between Christmas and New Year’s, or during the summer.”

When Rosemary and Rollin landed in Atascadero to help get the Methodist Church going, the Dexters saw a need for a place for people to find food if they didn’t have any. Together with three other local ministers, Rollin started Atascadero Loaves and Fishes, which is now known as ALF Food Pantry.

So, it was no surprise to anyone, including her five grown children, when Rosemary’s excitement for her 100-year milestone gave way to a brilliant idea. She decided that the perfect way to celebrate with the community she’s come to love so much was to raise $100,000 for ALF to ring in the occasion.

“I felt like I wanted to give back to the community rather than get anything for my 100th,” Rosemary stated. “Nobody needs anything at 100. It was just a privilege to be able to find something that I can really put my heart into, and since my husband was instrumental in getting it started way back in the 80s, it was just an idea I had, and I thought it would be a really helpful thing for them to have a boost to get a better, bigger place.”

As of Rosemary’s 100th birthday party, which took place at Oakview Village Independent Senior Living, a total of$64,000 out of $100,000 had been raised. But that wasn’t the only fun thing that happened at Rosemary’s celebration. The room also featured all the quilts, pottery, baskets, other crafts, and projects that have kept her busy over the years. 

“They discovered everything they could find, gathered it together, and it was awesome. It was absolutely awesome,” Rosemary said of the surprise. “I couldn’t believe I had done that much. I have always wanted to stay busy making things or doing things with people. You know, making life happy both for myself and others.”

Not only were her kids and their spouses there, but the entire staff of Oakview Village, Mayor Charles Bourbeau, and board members from ALF showed up. But that wasn’t all either; Rosemary’s sister, some of her grandkids, and even some of her great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, and more showed up to celebrate her. A few days earlier, Atascadero United Methodist Church had a celebration for her, too. That celebration brought in even more family, including Rosemary’s 95-year-old sister-in-law. 

“Mom had such joy on her face weeks before the 7th as she anticipated reuniting with her sister, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws of all kinds, and dear friends (her five children are all living here),” added Sally Dexter-Smith, another of Rosemary’s children. “And when all were gathered, she hardly ever sat down because she wanted to connect with each one, most of whom she’s known all their lives, ’cause she got here first.” 

Rosemary doesn’t get out and about in the community the same way she used to in her 90s, but that doesn’t stop her from doing things she loves, including getting outdoors to go for a good old walk.

“That’s one of the things I always tell anybody who asks me how I’ve managed to live to be 100. I always say, never stop walking,” she added.

But she doesn’t take these walks alone. Her Siamese cat Tiki follows her around the walk at Oakview, which Rosemary tries to do at least three times a day, though she always hopes for five laps around the quarter-of-a-mile track. 

“Some years ago, Mother ran across a word that seemed to sum up her philosophy of life. That word is ‘ubuntu’.  Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others.’ It is often described as reminding us that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are.’ She expands the meaning to explain that we are all connected,” added Carol. 

We asked Rosemary’s children what their favorite things about their mom were.

Carol Parente: Her smile and her resilience

Sally Dexter-Smith: Her calmness, even in adversity

Donald Dexter: Her unconditional love and devotion … and, I’m her favorite

Jack Dexter: [She’s] our model for kindheartedness

David Dexter: I’m Rosemary’s baby

“A couple of things to remember: One is always be loving and giving. The other is always keep active, walking and don’tfall,” Rosemary concluded on how she’s managed to make it to 100.

At Rosemary’s request, the fundraiser for ALF is still taking donations until it reaches $100,000. For more information on how to donate to ALF in Rosemary’s honor, go to alffoodpantry.org, and scroll to the bottom of the page.

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