Rosemary “Rosie” Billquist is shown sitting on the bench she donated for patients to use in front of UPMC Chautauqua WCA. A “Be Kind 5K” will take place in her name June 9 in Falconer. Submitted photo

Family, friends and co-workers of Rosemary Billquist will run, walk and celebrate in memory of “Rosie” on Saturday, June 9, to create a lasting memory of her work at UPMC Chautauqua WCA.

Jamie Billquist, her husband, created a scholarship to help her co-workers who are studying medical record and transcription training to honor the work she did at the hospital.

Sign-up for the race is available on-line at RunSignUp.com where the Be Kind 5K race is listed, or by calling Megan Barone to register, 664-8423. The race starts and ends at Falconer Park on North Phetteplace in Falconer where there will be food, vendors and fun events from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Registration is from 7-8:30 a.m. with the timed 5K run beginning at 9 a.m. Walkers follow at 9:15 a.m.

The event is a pet friendly event as was Rosie Billquist.

The pre-registration fee of $25, $30 race day, (plus $2.50 registration fee) includes participation in the race and a T-shirt commemorating the event. Pets may be registered for $5. Owner must identify name of dog, its breed, pet’s veterinarian, municipality license and proof and date of their pet’s rabies vaccination. Online registration concludes on Friday, June 8, at 11:59 p.m.

The name of the race comes from the quote Rosie painted on a bench she created for patients to use outside UPMC Chautauqua WCA where she worked. It reads: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Rosie was a joyful, kind-hearted individual who loved to run, take care of their dogs and to help others.

Individuals or corporations wishing to become sponsors for the race may do so by contacting Megan Barone in the development department at 664-8423 or at baronema3@upmc.edu.

Billquist died Nov. 22 while she was walking her dogs near her home in Sherman.

“This will be a way for people to remember her,” Jamie Billquist said of the memorial fund for his wife at her workplace. “We just figured this would be a good way to give to help her co-workers like she would have wanted.”

To directly support the memorial fund for Rosie, send tax-exempt contributions to the Rosemary Billquist Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o WCA Foundation, P.O. Box 840; Jamestown, NY 14702-0840.