Rosemary LaJoy

Rosemary LaJoy, age 74, passed away at the home of her devoted daughter Tessy Middlemiss in Ogdensburg, NY on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family and was under the care of Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. Rose will be missed by all.

Rose was born in Ogdensburg on September 12, 1951 to her parents, Teresa (Robinson) Baker and Robert Baker. She attended Ogdensburg schools. Upon graduating, Rose worked at the Ogdensburg Journal newspaper as an advertising consultant. She later worked at the County Pennysaver in Ogdensburg as an advertising account executive. She excelled there as one of the top producers of advertising revenue for the Pennysaver. The County Pennysaver later moved their offices from Ogdensburg to Massena where Rose then worked for several years until her retirement.

Rose married the love of her life, Alfred (Moe) LaJoy in 1996 in Las Vegas. Rose loved riding the roads in and around St. Lawrence County with Moe. They both enjoyed every moment they spent together. They shared a deep bond until Moe's passing in 2017.

Rose is survived by her daughter Tessy and her husband Parker Middlemiss in Ogdensburg, her son, Edward Yerden and his wife Heather in Rensselaer Falls, stepsons Jeffrey LaJoy and Timothy LaJoy, both from Ogdensburg, her siblings, Roberta and her husband Joseph Fifield in Rensselaer Falls, Robin Baker and Les Baker, both in Colton. Rose's surviving grandchildren are Emily Pribble, Dustin Middlemiss, Nicholas Middlemiss, Darien Middlemiss, Tyler Yerden, Britney Yerden, Cortnie Yerden, Kelsey Yerden, Austin Barr and Sydney LaJoy, as well as several great grandchildren. Rose is also survived by her sister-in-laws, Yvonne Baker and Norma LaJoy Brennan.

Rose was predeceased by her parents, her son Eugene Yerden, Jr. and siblings including Louie Baker, Bernard Baker, Roxanne Yerden and Kerry Baker, as well as her granddaughter Autumn Pribble, grandson Baby LaJoy and daughter-in-law Angela LaJoy.

Rose spent a lot of time with her best friend, Sandra Thornhill, going for rides and talking on the telephone endlessly. She spent everyday loving her dog Luna who blessed her with happiness and unconditional love. Rose was an avid Bingo player who visited her life-long friend and co-worker at the Pennysaver offices, Alice Fritz in Las Vegas every year for 25 years. They were Bingo buddies, playing in several casinos in Vegas, as well as seeing some shows. Rose enjoyed playing the slots and she was a great poker player. It was always a fun time for both of them in Vegas.

A Service will be held in the chapel of the Foxwood Mausoleum on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at noon, with Deacon Mark Lalonde, officiating. Internment to follow in Foxwood Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband Moe. A celebration of life to follow at 1:30pm at 11 West located at  6182 US-11, Canton, NY 13617.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rose's name to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley in Potsdam. Arrangements are under the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home located at 518 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences can be shared at www.bezanillafh.com.