Union's Postmaster Rose

Let me introduce you to Rosemary Marshall. Those of us who live in Union need no introduction — I’m talking about Rose, our Postmaster. EVERYONE here knows Rose.

But let’s start at the beginning… Rose was born in Darwin, Minnesota, a small farming

town known as the home of the largest twine ball made by one man. Who knew?

Although she lives in Lilliwaup, she has worked for our post office since 2006. She has

seven children. And she home-schooled all of them. “And they’re all pretty normal,” she

says with some pride. Again, who knew?

Rose admired the Postmaster in Lilliwaup. “A real can-do person,” she said. When the

woman asked if one of her daughters would be interested in working for the Post Office,

Rose said, “No, I want the job.” She was ready to work. When she first came to Union, she worked for Tracy Keefe. After Tracy retired, Rose had a number of bosses over the next seven years. In 2022, Rose applied, interviewed and secured her current job. The competition had been fierce! Seventeen other applications. What got her the job? Her boss at the time said he had never seen so many people write letters of support… “Everyone came out for her.”

The Manager of Post Office Operations (MPOO) for the District, based in Seattle, came

in person to her swearing-in. The parking lot was full of Union residents. The photograph of the event shows 125 people. I heard that some folks couldn’t find a parking place or had to leave early, so there likely were more than that. I remember the MPOO saying, “I just had to come out and meet this woman in person.” He and the gang stayed for the barbecue we hosted outside the post office. And as only Rose can express, “Community should have a say. And this community did.” She shares that sense of community when she talks about what makes her heart sing at work. Rose loves the problem-solving she’s able to do. Helping people get their mail and their mailings sorted out. But more… “Greeting people. Hearing them laugh in the lobby, sharing their stories with one another. Listening to Sarah talk and laugh with the customers.”

What else does she love? Besides her seven kids and fifteen grandkids? Gardening,

country western music with its easy-listening, and travel. She went to Ireland to the town where her great-great-grandfather lived. Had a Guiness in the local pub. She’d like to do

more—travel that is. Well, maybe the Guiness, too. She wants Union residents to know that she appreciates how they live their lives. Their volunteering. Their sense of connection and community. How they take care of each other. “It inspires me. Gives me such optimism. It’s a privilege to work here.” Well, you inspire us, Rose, with your ever-welcoming smile, limitless good nature, and willingness to help. We are privileged to have you as our Postmaster.

Dawn Hanson Smart

Original stories for www.thesacredwaterscenter.com