Rosemary Ellen (Lydon) Eldridge, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Medford, the only daughter of the late Peter and Mabel (Downs) Lydon. She was raised and educated in Medford and graduated from Medford High School.

Rosemary’s life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Bernard “Bernie” Eldridge, on a blind date. Their first date was, by all accounts, rather tepid, and the two parted ways as acquaintances, never imagining what the future might hold. Months later, fate gave them another opportunity when they bumped into each other at Jordan Marsh in Boston’s downtown crossing. Bernie asked Rosemary for some assistance picking out a Christmas gift for his sister. This time, something clicked, and the two quickly formed an inseparable bond. They went on to share 46 wonderful years together until Bernie’s passing in 2001.

Rosemary was a warm, loving, and devoted mother to her daughters. She treasured the time she spent with them and was always happy to introduce them to new experiences. She was a woman who lived life on her own terms. Independent and strong-willed, Rosemary knew what she liked and, just as importantly, what she did not. No one was going to push her into doing something she wasn’t comfortable with, and she remained true to herself throughout her life.

Rosemary and Bernie enjoyed spending their winters in Florida, where they developed a close-knit circle of friends who became like an extended family. Always willing to share in her husband’s interests, Rosemary learned to golf so she could spend more time with Bernie on the course. She embraced the friendly competition that came with their group of friends and enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the game itself.

She also loved the simple pleasures of life. One of her favorite places when Rosemary was newly married with a young family was Cape Cod, but as she got older she cherished time relaxing along the beaches of Maine with her daughters and enjoying a lobster dinner, and a glass of wine. She was not one to spend too much time sitting in the sun, however. More often than not, she could be found comfortably tucked beneath an umbrella, enjoying the shade and the sights and sounds of the ocean. She was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and a devoted admirer of Pat Sajak. Her family knew better than to call during the show, because when the Wheel was on, Rosemary was watching!

In her later years, Rosemary continued to enjoy the companionship of her close circle of friends in town. Whether gathering for breakfast or lunch, sharing conversation, or simply enjoying one another’s company, these friendships brought her great happiness. She cherished these relationships and the special bond they shared over the years.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rosemary was predeceased by her son in law John “Jack” Bransfield, as well as four brothers, John, Robert, Paul and Frank Lydon.

Rosemary is survived by her loving daughters Laura Kovaleski and her husband David of Westminster, MA and Joan Bransfield of Hudson, NH, her adoring grandchildren, Charlie Kovaleski, Joe Kovaleski, Kerri Roy and her husband Bryan, Catherine Ortiz and her husband Randy and Julie Bransfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 10am to 11:30am at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 12 noon at St. Veronica’s Parish in St. Margaret's Church, 111 Winn St. Burlington. Interment will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, Contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society