Rosemary "Rose" Clam

CARBONDALE - Rosemary “Rose” Clam, 70, of Carbondale, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 5, 2022, after a brave 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Rose was born December 9, 1951 to Mary and Rudolf Schierer of Chicago. She married James “Jim” Clam, also of Chicago, on June 4, 1974. Two years later, daughter Daisy was born and they moved to Southern Illinois so Jim could attend Southern Illinois University. They moved onto a farm in Union County and the rolling green hills and wildflowers reminded Rose of the Wizard of Oz, which was always her favorite movie. One year later, son Tim joined the family. They fell so in love with Southern Illinois they decided to stay and raise their family there. Rose worked for 33 years at SIU’s Morris Library and she loved Saluki basketball. She was also an avid Chicago White Sox fan. She volunteered with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and parent-teacher organizations for her children and grandchildren. She loved being around children, animals, and nature; and loved photography, music, singing, and dancing.

She is survived by her husband Jim; daughter Daisy and husband Mike and their children Vio and Hannah, also of Carbondale; sister-in-law Marie Clam of Oak Lawn, brother-in-law Chick and his wife Ginny of Munster, IN; brother-in-law Joe and his wife Suzie of Rock Springs, WI; sister-in-law Jo Schierer, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mary and Rudolf Schierer, son Timothy Clam, brothers Ronald Schierer, Kenneth Schierer and his wife Judith Schierer, and Raymond Schierer.

Rose was always one to say hello to anyone she crossed paths with. She was the kindest person

and was an adoptive mother to many students during their time at SIU throughout her 33 years working on campus.

In lieu of gifts, the family requests donations be made in Rose’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial will be planned in the future.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Rosemary visit www.meredithfh.com