Rosemarie Horan Knox

Rosemarie Horan Knox, a woman of remarkable grace, wit, and longevity, passed away peacefully on Feb. 9, 2026, at the age of 102. To those who knew her, Rosemarie wasn’t just a centenarian. She was a constant source of light, a devoted matriarch and the light in every room she entered. Born in Spangler, Pa., in 1923, to the late Peter and Mary Horan, Rosemarie’s life spanned a century of profound change. She was the last surviving sibling of a large, spirited family, preceded in death by James, Joseph, William, and Robert Horan, as well as Irene Wiseman, Hazel Carson Ayes and Patricia Smith. Together, Rosemarie and her sisters were affectionately known as “The Golden Girls” — a title earned through their playful humor, shared laughter and unbreakable bond. Rosemarie’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her two devoted daughters: Sharon Cotter and her husband, Terry of Houston, Texas; and Diane Knox Petronko (wife of the late Dennis Petronko) of Pittsburgh. She was the “Gram” who knew every detail of her family’s lives, leaving behind