Rosemary Leet Stark

Born on Jan. 31, 1937, in Jamestown, NY, she was the daughter of Mary (Bailey) and Ernest D. Leet.

A lifelong advocate for education and humanitarian work, Rosemary demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing help for people in need.

Rosemary graduated from Jamestown High School before continuing her education at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA where she earned a BS degree in Biology.

In 1959, she married Raymond V. Stark, also of Jamestown, with whom she shared 63 years of devoted partnership until his passing in 2022. She was also predeceased by her loving sisters, Bethia “Betsy” Sherman and Frances Reddaway.

Rosemary and Ray resided in and raised their family in many different states–including NY, MA, FL, VT, NJ, CT, and NC. They moved frequently for career opportunities with Ray’s employer, GE. Rosemary left a meaningful impact on every community she settled in. Rosemary was known for her passion for volunteerism and her compassion for people of all backgrounds. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, her role as a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) led her to a position as Director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Danbury in Connecticut. In this role, she empowered countless individuals to gain the skills necessary to thrive in their communities. She was recognized as an Outstanding Connecticut Woman in 1987 by the state Governor for her work with both literacy, and her launch of, and active involvement in refugee relocation programs for Vietnamese and Bosnian families.

In 1990 she received the Bishop’s Award for Community Service by the Episcopal Diocese of CT. Rosemary’s dedication extended far beyond the classroom. She was widely acknowledged for her leadership in supporting families and individuals facing adversity, persecution, or threats to their well-being. Shortly after relocating to New Bern, NC, Rosemary founded and directed the Interfaith Refugee Ministry in 1992–a testament to her deep compassion for displaced individuals seeking safety and new beginnings.

Since it’s inception IRM has helped to welcome and settle over 3,000 refugees throughout Eastern North Carolina. In 2012, IRM established the “Rosemary Stark Award for Volunteer Service” of which Rosemary was the first recipient. A lifelong Episcopalian, Rosemary remained deeply involved in church-sponsored outreach programs throughout her life.

Her faith was not only a personal compass but also a driving force behind her advocacy for equal rights for all people regardless of color, race, gender, or religion. In 2015, Rosemary was awarded the Craven County NAACP Community Service award. Not one to rest, in 2017 at the age of 80, she founded and chaired Faith Connection, an affiliation of 17 religious communities working together to provide services for those in need. That same year she was recognized as one of “52 Faces of the Community” by the state of NC.

Rosemary leaves behind her three children: James Randall Stark (Laurie) of Eastview, KY; Melinda Ferreira (Steve) of New Milford, CT; and Mary Bamford (Paul) of Westwood, MA.

She was a proud grandmother to Heather Wohl, Amanda Pickett, Taylor Ferreira, Sierra Poplawski (Colin), Katrina Stark, Eric Bamford, and Dana Bamford. She also leaves five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for Sept. to coincide with the interment of Rosemary and her beloved husband, at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Jamestown, NY.

Rosemary’s life was one of purpose and profound impact. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness and justice in the world she helped shape.

In accordance with Rosemary’s wishes, memorial donations may be directed to one of the organizations she had been devoted to serving: *Faith Connection: PO Box 13004, New Bern, NC 2856-3004 Attn: Cory Hunter *Interfaith Refugee Ministry: 1913 Trent Road, New Bern, NC 28560 *St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church: 604 Johnson Street, New Bern, NC 28560 (Please include Rosemary’s name in the memo line).