Breaking Away From Tradition with Rosemary

In this episode of The Words We've Heard, host Marbree Sullivan speaks with Rosemary, who grew up in Buffalo, New York, under the watchful eye of a tight-knit, traditional Catholic, Italian-American family.

From a childhood shaped by family dinners and cultural expectations, Rosemary carved her own path—earning multiple degrees, working in education, marrying outside her culture, and ultimately embracing change in ways that would’ve surprised her younger self. Through humor, humility, and deep self-awareness, she shares the joys and challenges of being the “different” one in the family and how she navigated love, motherhood, caregiving, and personal growth over decades of change.

Rosemary’s story reminds us how much can change in one generation—and how deeply we’re shaped by those who came before us.

🎧 Key Moments in the Episode:

• [00:00:29] – Growing Up Italian American in Buffalo
• [00:05:02] – Fighting for College and Pushing Back on Expectations
• [00:10:22] – Learning to Ride a Bike... in Secret
• [00:13:11] – The Challenges of Dating Under a Watchful Eye
• [00:21:04] – A Surprise Proposal and a Martini or Two
• [00:24:29] – From Community Center to Classroom: Raising Kids While Working
• [00:30:00] – Moving Away and Balancing Guilt, Caregiving, and Independence
• [00:44:06] – Lessons Learned: You Control So Little, But You Can Choose How You React
• [00:57:37] – If You Have a Choice Between Being Right and Being Kind…

💬 If Rosemary’s story resonated with you:

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• Share this episode with a friend or loved one who values family stories.
• Follow the show to hear more reflections, life lessons, and voices of a generation worth listening to.