Readers pay tribute

The Enquirer asked you to send us your condolences, tributes to and memories of Rosemary Clooney. This is what you said:

       "She was only six years older than me, but in teen years that was a big gap. In my teens, she seemed to make growing up so much easier when you had her beautiful voice to listen to.
       "In my service years from 1953-57 I used to lay on my cot and fall asleep listening to her. When Sunday morning I heard she had passed tears came to my eyes. That never happened for any other entertainer.
       "We lost Rosemary Saturday - and I think I lost a little of myself."
- William Bray, Quincy, MA

       "Dear family Clooney. First, I apologize for my broken English. It's just school English. I hope you nevertheless get what I want to say. I am 16-years-old. I never saw Ms. Clooney as a star in her best time, because I'm too young. I feel very sorry that I never was able to see Rosemary Clooney as the very beautiful flower she actually was. I simply was late.
       "I'm a fan of jazz, blues, and swing music since long time and through this I found this woman's incredible voice. I liked it from the first day on. Wwhat now stays in our heart is her warmth, damn good sense of humor and her love to life.''
- Camilla Chlebna, Ebbs/Kufstein, Austria

       "I was sorry to hear about your family's recent loss. My husband and I saw Rosemary at the Contemporary Hotel in Disney World on our honeymoon in 1975. It sounds kind of strange, but we'll always remember Rosemary when we think about our honeymoon!
       "I recently lost my mom unexpectedly and have seen firsthand how hard it is to lose a mom-wife-sister-aunt. We just kind of take it a day at a time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
- Debra Duncan, Richmond, IN

       "Here's an Irish Blessing for you all:
       'May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
       'May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
       'May the sunshine brighten your heart.
       'May the burdens of the day rest lightly on you.
       'And may God enfold you in the mantle of his love."
       "Now when the angels sing, we'll all listen just a little more closely, so we can hear Rosemary's lyrical voice once again.
       "Bizillions of prayers and positive thoughts to you all. Take care of each other in this most fragile of times. God bless."
- Patty Jenkins, Kent, WA

       "Please accept sincere thanks for sharing Rosemary Clooney's final plans with us, her fans, who have loved and appreciated her for such a long time.
       "I never met Rosemary, but through her music and total honesty about her life I knew and loved her as so many, many others also did. Fortunately, we will have recordings of her glorious voice forever with us. (And yes, I own White Christmas, the movie.)
       "Any of us who have had troubled times in our lives were inspired by her courage, as I said to myself more than once, "If Rosemary Clooney can do it, I can to." Her example helped more people than anyone knows.
       "Again, thank you for opening your hearts and allowing us to mourn with you the passing of a truly great and wonderful person."
- Andrea Guidebeck, Otsego, MI

       "God is always with us. When we lose someone we love, time stands still … a quiet sadness, a silence. But there is always hope, and god's peace will replace your heartache with warm loving memories. My deepest sympathy for you loss."
- Debra Smith, Albany, N.Y.

       "My heart aches for you at this time. To lose such a person like Rosemary Clooney cannot be put into words. Just know that her spirit lives in each one of you. If you can remember that then she truly hasn't died in a sense. For the spirit and memory of a person can live on forever in our hearts, and minds.
       "I am from Ohio. However, my roots are based in Kentucky and Tennessee. Rosemary's passing is like losing a loved one. She was a person with such a strong will and passion.
       "I don't know if I would have had the courage to tell the world about the kind of trials and tribulations that she endured. Nevertheless, her presence, her courage, her love of family and people is something that the world needs more of.
       "Stay strong, and remember what she stood for. This is part of the legacy, and foundation that she left behind ... don't let it go to waste."
- Best wishes, Leisa A. Ell, Universal City, CA

       "I had the pleassure of meeting Rosemary when Nick had his show at WKRC-TV many years ago. I was so impressed by the love that she had for her fans. She was very loving and friendly and willing to share her life with others.
       "I have watched White Christmas every year because of the gift of love that is shared. She was a down-to-earth individual and money never overpowered her ways like a lot of other performers.
       "My love and prayers are with her family and know that now she is an Angel with no pain and lots of love. God Bless You!"
- Wanda Brooksbank, Anderson Twp., OH

       "When I listen to Rosemary's songs, I smile, my mouth smiles, me eyes smile, my heart smiles but most of all my memory smiles. I am grateful she left us so much to smile about."
- Thank you, Marilyn Frye, Cincinnati, OH

       "Nick, I know you don't remember me but I met you and Nina many years ago when you were renting a house from Marilyn in Mason, OH. We all went to a night club on Reading Road when Len Mink was performing there. My ex-husband worked for Marilyn at Dictograph Alarm Systems. At that time my last name was Stewart.
       "I just want to send my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you and your family on the death of your sister Rosemary.
       "I absolutely loved her music and thought she was a wonderful person. She was the type of person that was so down to earth and never forgot her roots, and always made you feel that she was not better than you or anyone else.
       "Please tell her children that I am praying for them also.
       "Thank you and Nina for being so nice to my ex-husband and myself when we met. It was so long ago that all our children where very small. I still listen to Nick on the radio and enjoy every minute of it. I know that Rosemary is looking down on us and wanting us to have all the happiness in our lives that we can. That is just the kind of person she was.
       "I'm sure Betty is standing along side her also. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this great time of sorrow. Thanks for being the type of people that you are. We could use more in this world like you.
- My heartfelt regards, Gail Hammock, Lancaster, KY

       "Losing Rosemary Clooney is a loss that the whole Tristate area is feeling. I want to send my personal condolences ... my mother also died from lung cancer five years ago. My heart goes out to the entire Clooney family on your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time."
- Susan Kesselring, Florence, KY

       "I would like to express my condolences to the Rosemary Clooney family. My earliest memories of her are of seeing her on Cincinnati television in the late 1940s or early '50s when I was a child. I am from the Indianapolis area. I always stayed in Cincinnati with an aunt and uncle in the Norwood community on all my school vacations.
       "I have enjoyed listening to her and seeing her biographies through the years. She was a great lady and her legacy will live on through her music and the way she overcame her problems in life."
- Sandy Dreesen, Indianapolis, IN

       "Rosemary Clooney was a special gift that we were all lucky enough to share. Her courage and strength was respected by all, and her beauty and warmth touched us all. She will be greatly missed.
       "My deepest sympathy to her family. I know there is a great void in your lives now. I hope you will someday find peace knowing she is now at peace and an angel to look upon you. She will always be in your hearts and ours."
- Donna Drake, Tonawanda, NY

       "I am so sorry to hear about this. I got to see her last year in Maysville, Ky. for the first time. I was so happy, I told everyone about it. I love her. She was a wonderful person. My heart goes out to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by me and everyone else. God bless you all."
- Sue Simpson, South Lebanon, OH

       "My deepest condolences to Rosemary Clooney's family. She was an exquisite, expressive and soulful singer who inspired a new generation of loyal fans. What a voice! I wish I'd had the chance to see her perform in concert."
- Best wishes from Canada, Barbara London, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

       "My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I lost my father to lung cancer and I know it can be a time of very mixed emotions.
       "May the strength and courage she showed you, during her battle help to give you comfort and help your strength.
       "May her joy for life and laughter she shared with you linger in your memories and hearts.
       "May the battle that is now over for her help you find peace, knowing that although she is no longer here that her love lives on and is reflected in all of you.
       "The world has lost a wonderful singer but the heavens have gained one."
- Heartfelt best wishes, Maggie Blukis, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK

       "My love and prayers go out to Dante, the children and grandchildren. I know how much I have loved Rosemary for over 40 years and your pain must be much greater. I pray that the lord will comfort you all at this time. "I have been collecting her work since I was 6 years old. She was and is the best Girl Singer ever. And she will remain so in the hearts of thousands of her loyal fans forever.
       "New generations will come to know and appreciate her musical contributions in the years to come.
- Love, Karon Mayes, Bristol, TN

       "God bless you and your families for the loss of your mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. I lost my mother seven and half years ago to lung cancer. It's not easy, but she is in a better place now. She is without pain."
- God Bless, Mary Greenwell, Glendale, AZ

       "May God bless you all at this time of your great loss of Rosemary. I am so grateful and happy for her wonderful talent."
- Sue Young, IN

              "I would just like to say how sad I was to hear that such a great entertainer had passed away. Being only 18 years old, I never really had much knowledge of the work that Rosemary had done, it was only when I asked my parents about her after seeing her in an episode of ER that I realized the obvious talent she had, and contribution she had made to the entertainment industry. I'm sure she will be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of the past century!!!"
- Elizabeth Dun, Fife, Scotland

       "I have been a long fan of the Clooneys and would like to send my sympathy to Rosemary's brother, Nick, who gets me up every morning, and to Ada who has been a help to be when I shop at Kohl's. Your sister and Aunt will be missed - her beautiful voice, her way of telling a story about her life or her experiences with the stars made her outstanding. She always made feel like she was just the girl from Maysville who happened to be the girl from Maysville no matter how famous she became. My prayers will be with you at this time. We know that she is singing once again with her sister Betty and with Bing (Crosby).''
- Sincerely Connie Donley, Erlanger, Ky.

       "My dad always sings Rosemary's songs and we knew who she was, the best singer ever. And, she was local he would tell us. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers."
- Gloria Mascari, Harrison, Ohio

       "What a pleasure it was to meet Rosie, if only briefly at the first Rosemary Clooney Festival in Maysville. Having listened to her music for years and watching White Christmas with the kids each year have made her a household name in our family. She reminded me of a dear aunt. Just a down-home person with a wonderful talent. Thanks, Rosie for all the memories. Your voice will live forever."
- John Hingsbergen, Program Director, WMUB, 88.5FM

       "My deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to the entire Clooney family on such a sad loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
- Lynne Berry, Scotland

       "With the passing of Ms. Clooney, we lost a wonderful person. My condolences to the entire family. White Christmas is and always will be one of my favorite movies. My prayers are with you."
- Sincerely, Connie Barber, West Chester Twp., Ohio

       "My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Her music will always live in my heart. She has been my favorite artist all of my life, she had a special kind of voice that no one has been able to imitate. So many of my friends called me to see if I knew (she had died), because they knew that she was so dear to me. She will always have a special place in my heart and my life was so much better because she lived. People use to say 'You sound a lot like her,' because I listened to her all the time."
- Hey There!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Carole Richardson, Colerain Twp., Ohio

       "I wish to express my love and sympathy to the Clooney family. At last year's Russell Theatre benefit, I had a brief conversation with Rosemary Clooney ... she was on stage ... I was sitting very close to the stage. She was going to sing a song from her latest album that she said sounded "OK". Feeling the need to voice my opinion, I called out 'It's better than that!' She looked in my direction and said 'Oh, you're the one that bought it!' I replied 'Yes, one for the house, one for the car, one for the ...' She stopped me by saying 'OK, we have to go on now.' Being a musician, I've always wanted to talk to Rosemary Clooney. I guess that will have to do. I will remember that day as long as I live."
- Doug Cooper, Mt. Washington, Ohio

       "My deepest condolences to the Clooney family. She was a beautiful and talented women. I do not know a whole lot about her career, even though I loved her in White Christmas. I listen to Nick on WSAI a couple of times a week and hear him often talk about Rosemary. I have a soft spot for the Clooneys for several reasons. I am from Cincinnati, I love her style of music, I know George (as to say I had a couple of drinks with him one night at the Conservatory).
       "A good friend of mine, Ted Snyder is a big fan of Rosemary's. We give each other a hard time as to who is a better singer. I am a HUGE Sinatra fan and he is a huge Rosemary fan.
"My deepest condolences. God Bless your family."
- Rick Krummen, Green Twp., Ohio

       "My family and I wish to express our condolences to the husband and family of (if I may) call her Rosemary, as she seems like an old friend of ours. She will be greatly missed by friends and fans around the world. She gave so much to the world."
- Darlene Campbell & Family, Ludlow, Ky.

       "Our family is deeply saddened by Rosemary's death. She was a wonderful woman. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
"I always felt close to Rosie, because she went to school with my Aunt Jane Wetzell at Western Hills High School - and Aunt Jane would tell us she was a great girl!
"You have a wonderful loving family, I just know it, and you will help each other through this big loss in your lives."
- Jackie Moore, Cold Spring, Ky.
       "Her music brought so much joy to so many people of all ages. And though this is a huge loss to the entertainment world, it is a much greater loss to her family and friends who loved her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you."
- Sharyn Hughes, Ft. Mitchell, Ky.

       "To the Clooney family, whom I have always admired and respected, I am very privileged to be able to send my condolences to the family and close friends.
       "Rosemary will be greatly missed but she leaves a legacy behind - one of which I will always remember from her days with WLW, although I am 20 years younger than she I had the opportunity to see and read and keep up with people of interest.
       "I cherish what she left for others to follow and the times I had the pleasure of being entertained by the younger set, Mary Ellen Tanner and Randy Crawford to name two.
       "I had the opportunity to meet Nick and Nina on two occasions, one when Mr. Clooney complimented me on my African garb while I hosted the Joe Williams concert at Music Hall. I've always cherished the moment and his kindness. And when my husband was an extra in the film 'Centennial'. My mother, my daughter and I were invited in to have cake to celebrate a birthday.
       "I came home to visit last month and spent time in a bookstore in Kenwood where I purchased a book on George Clooney.
       "I'll always treasure the Clooney family. Thanks for sharing."
- Respectfully yours, Goldeen Bohannon-Dixie (formerly Madisonville), Houston, TX

       "I've always felt so close to Rosie Clooney because we kind of grew up 'together'. I can remember exactly where I was in life when her songs came over the car radio or in the darkness when I first heard her from Cincinnati WLW Radio. Somehow that liquid voice was so comforting to me - she was and will remain a constant in my life. Thanks, Rosemary Clooney, for all the joy."
- Carol Westberg, Chillicothe, OH

       "My sincere condolences go out to all of you upon the death of such a talented and wonderful person. I fell in love with Rosemary when I saw "White Christmas" as a child, and I adored her singing. My husband and I watch "White Christmas" every holiday.
       "My only regret is that I did not hear here sing here in 2000 - I wish I had. And I wish I could have met her. She seemed to be one of those down-to-earth celebrities.
       "I have lost both my parents in the last five years, and to me, Rosemary's passing symbolizes the passing of a more innocent age - the '50s and '60s - a time we will never see again.
       "But alas, we have our wonderful memories.
       "I know that God said to Rosemary: "Come on a my house!" May she be making music there now, and may we all have a chance to meet her someday.
- Peace, Barbara Gibler, Kentucky native, Mason, OH

       "I am so saddened by the loss of Rosie, but am glad she is at peace and no longer suffering. I have always admired her, and loved her singing and acting, especially in "White Christmas."
       "I offer all her family my deepest sympathy, love and prayers. We were all so lucky to have had her in our lives!
       "God bless. Rosie will live on in our hearts with song."
- Love, Julie Carlson, Pleasant Ridge, OH

       "Rosemary Clooney was an inspiration to us all. Our hearts go out to the entire family in their loss.
       "She never forgot her roots. It is refreshing as much as she was a legend Northern Kentucky was still very much her home. We will never forget the close family ties she had, and her love for her faith and roots.
       "She will be missed but her music and contributions will forever live. Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you."
- Richard Weisenberger, Paducah, KY

       "How sorry I am to hear about Rosemary's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
       "I am 44, and wish I was part of that era with real singers/songwriters like Rosemary."
- My best, Donna De Luise, Denver, CO

       "Please accept my sincerest condolences. I loved the sound of Rosemary's voice.
       "My father died in May at the age of 76, and he and my mom were both fans of Rosie.
       "I remember hearing 'This Ole House' around our old house when I was a kid, and loved it.
       "I am surprised to learn that Rosemary was not really Italian. We always assumed she was. I really loved 'Mambo Italiano' as well as her other 'accented' songs. Rosie sang these songs as they should be sung, with joy and love.
- Charlie Randisi, Rochester, NY
       "Rosie, you always reminded me of my Aunt Jane and Aunt Beulah who used to sing on WLW back in the '40s. Your looks and mannerisms were so much alike. I lost them a few years ago and whenever I saw or listened to you, I would think of them.
       "Now, I have lost all of you, but I know that together you are making beautiful music in Heaven."
- Sandra Patton, Southfield, MI

       "Dear Maria Providencia Ferrer Murdock:
       "It is with a heavy heart that I touch base with you at this time. I worked for your former husband at Dole Food Company briefly as one of his three assistants in the early '90s.
       "During that time, the closeness your family shared was clear and only surpassed by the crush I had on your brother Miguel. I've since grown out of that crush and married my husband. Ahh, youth.
       "My husband and I were looking forward to tonight's broadcast of Biography where we knew your mother's life would be honored accordingly, as indeed it was.
       "During our viewing I had an urge to hush my husband for continually relating his life to that of your wonderful mother's, then I realized we were both doing it because in fact, your Dear Mom was so much a part of our lives - as no doubt she was of many others in our age group. My husband was born in 1953, myself in 1959.
       "Maria, your mother influenced our lives because she was a beautiful singer, but more importantly, because she was a beautiful mother devoted to her family and true to herself.
       "Please share with your siblings our deepest condolences during this most difficult time. We know what it is to lose a parent and while the loss is always felt, the vacancy is filled with a treasury rich in memories only few are fortunate to truly share."
- Sincerely, Laura Longoria Lowe, Sarasota, FL

       "I was so sorry to hear about Rosemary. When I first heard her sing in 'White Christmas', I was hooked. She was great and I know she is singing with the angels. I'll pray for the whole family."
- A FAN FOREVER, Linda Copeland, Arlington, VA

       "My condolences to the Clooney, Dipaolo and Ferrer families. May God bless you and give you strength."
- Amanda Lionels, Upland, CA

       "My name is Rosanna, I'm a fan of George, but just that's why I wanted to write this email.
       "I'm conscious of the grief that leave the loss of someone to which it is held much, seven years ago I lost my father and the grief doesn't go through never, also if everyone tells the contrary.
       "I'm really sorry for the loss of Rosemary.
       "But I am not capable to do the condolences, when this happened to me, for my father, they bothered me all that people that from complete extraneous wanted to draw near to my pain, therefore, since then I have decided to don't do the same thing.
       "My spirit tells me that Rosemary is not suffering … The thing that she will make stay calm is know that you are yourselves equally, that you will live your life happily.
       "The pain doesn't disappear, it grows weak in the time. The void that is left will never fill, but only superficially dull from the happy memories that she has left you, indelibly in your hearts and in your souls. Forever."
- Rosanna Rescazzi, sorry my English, Italy

       "To: The Clooney family:
       "You shared with the world a talented, wonderful person and we are grateful.
       "The coverage of Rosemary's funeral was so impressive because it showed what everyone thought of her. How proud you all must be!
       "The most impressive part was how she never forgot Maysville and her friends. All sizes, ages, shapes and colors genuinely loved her.
       "Cherish the great memories and know that many, many of us share in you loss."
- Sincerely, Rhoda Wheeler, Highland Heights, KY

       "I don't know what to say, but I am so sorry about her death. Rosemary Clooney was loved by all. She was a Great Singer."
- Micaela Brennan, Glenmore Park, New South Wales, Australia

       "My deepest condolences to the Clooney family for the loss of Ms. Rosemary Clooney. She was a beautiful lady both inside and out. She will truly, truly be missed."
- Carolann Bledsoe, Robin Lane, AL

       "My deepest sympathies go with you. I know the hurt, pain and loss you are feeling as I lost my dad and my husband to lung cancer three years ago.
       "Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. I truly enjoyed her music. She will be missed."
- Debbie Meece, Colerain Twp., OH

       "To the family, friends, and fans of Sweet Rosemary...
       "Rosemary was one of the greatest of her time, and through ups and downs managed to still be known today in this world of Hip Hop and Rock. I never knew too much about her till I became interested in George Clooney in 1994 when I was only 10. But a few years ago I watched a special about the Clooney family, and realized just how good she was. After that, anytime I saw her on the television I would sit and watch as she dazzled her audience.
       "To my surprise, some of her songs would bring tears to your eyes, she was just so amazing. I was looking forward to seeing her on television some this year, but never heard anything, till one day I was looking up sites on the Internet and ran across a recent article about her, not knowing, I opened the site and began to read. The article was about her having cancer, I was shocked ... I sat there saying to myself this is not true, they did not get this from a reliable source ... It is just not true!
       "A few weeks later I saw a picture of her and George on the cover of a tabloid … I took it off the shelf and began to read it. The end of the article made my heart fall, it said 'Rosemary has sung her last song.'
       "I tried not to think about it anymore till my mom called me Monday morning and said that she had died. I went to my room and went on a Clooney web site, the front page had an article about her and her life, I sat there reading it and sulking.
       "If her death saddened me, a kid who never knew her personally, I can only imagine how people who knew her feel. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HER
       "…WE WILL MISS YOU ROSIE!!! We know now that you are in a better place, with others who have gone before you ... kings, queens, stars, singers, the greatest of greats, and the everyday people we never knew passed.
       "You can now sing again with Betty, Jose and the other greats you used to sing and star with ... HOW WE WISH THERE WAS A RECORDING STUDIO IN HEAVEN!!!
       "… to all who knew and loved her, remember, THERE IS NO GOODBYE ... ONLY LOVE."
- Much Sorrow, Brandi Blanchard, Columbia, SC

       P.S.: To the Clooney, Ferrer and DiPaolo families, you are in my heart.

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow

Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.