Rosemarie Bully—affectionately known as Rosie to her family and Rose to many of her friends and colleagues—was born on January 4, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan, to Kieko Bully and the late Daniel Lee Bully. From her earliest years, she possessed a natural warmth and presence that instantly brightened any room. A proud graduate of Cass Technical High School, Rosie showed her love of an audience early—as she performed on stage throughout grade school and high school, including a memorable production of Inherit the Wind that her family still fondly remembers.

Rosie's college years took her to East Lansing, where she honed her voice as a radio host for the local college community, blending her love for music with the art of conversation. At Michigan State University, she served as a Minority Advisor—acting as a steady, trusted mentor for incoming students navigating the overwhelming transition into dorm life. After graduating, she brought her talents to the communications and relations division of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, organizing major events with her signature warmth and flair, before following her calling into legal advocacy.

Rosie earned her Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law and launched a distinguished legal career, serving in the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office before transitioning into private practice. As an attorney, she spent years guiding clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with intelligence, patience, and profound wisdom.

Of all the roles Rosie held—performer, radio host, communicator, and advocate—nothing came close to her highest calling and greatest joy: being a mother. Her children, Rachel and Ricky, were the very flames that fueled her spirit. The three of them shared an unbreakable spiritual bond. Rosie was their compass, their anchor, and their daily sounding board; her strength and wisdom now live on seamlessly within both of them.

Rosie lived her values out loud. Family was the undeniable centerpiece of her existence, and she was best friends with each of her sisters. She believed in honoring small, consistent joys— manifested in her years-long tradition of holding a weekly "Mother's Day" outing with her mom, Kieko, filling afternoons with laughter, shopping, and meals together.

A deeply spiritual and sentimental soul, Rosie believed that surrounding yourself with beauty changes how you think, and her home was a sanctuary filled with collected words, figures of inspiration, and positive reflections. Nothing captured her cozy, welcoming spirit quite like her love for morning coffee and tea—a cherished daily ritual woven deep into the Bully family tradition. Rosie loved it so much she built a dedicated coffee and tea bar in her home.

And then there were the sunrises and sunsets. Living by the water, Rosie captured hundreds of photographs of the morning and evening sky. It was a thought-provoking passion for a woman who understood a quiet truth: that no matter how dark the night gets, the light always returns.

When faced with illness, Rosie met every day with grace, positivity, and dignity. Supported by "Team Phoenix," she showered every doctor, nurse, and caregiver with kindness. Rosie did not "lose the battle" to cancer—for while illness may have affected her body, it never touched her spirit, her humor, or her infinite capacity to love. Her light remained unbroken to the very end.

Her family now takes profound comfort in picturing her just as she would have wanted—enjoying a warm cup alongside her beloved father, her sister Stephanie, her brother Dan, her grandmother ("Grandmere"), and her aunt Johnnie Mae.

Preceded in Death

Rosemarie was welcomed into eternal peace by her beloved father, Daniel Lee Bully; her sister, Stephanie (Dee-Dee) Bully; her brother, Dan Bully; her infant daughter, Jessica Warnicke; her grandmother, Massa Lee Bully; her aunt, Johnnie Mae Ivey; her cousin, Cheryl; and her cherished dog, Champ.

A Legacy of Light

Rosie's enduring legacy is lovingly carried on by her mother, Kieko Bully; her cherished children, Rachel Amai Warnicke and Richard Daniel Thomas Warnicke; her devoted sisters, Amanda Rajabzadeh, Ella Bully-Cummings, Arleen Bully, Deloris Spivey (Brian Spivey), and Tammie Bully (David Edwards); her sister-in-law, Angela Bully; her cherished nephews, Reginald Cortez Gates, Brandon Spivey, and Dan Bully II; her step-nieces, Chantel Edwards and Eliana Edwards; her former husband and devoted friend, Thomas Warnicke; her dear first cousins, Celestine and Ernest (Leon); and her adored "fur grandbaby" Bandit, as well as a rich tapestry of extended family members, colleagues, and lifelong friends.

Celebration Details

Gathering of Family & Friends

Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Celebration of Life Memorial Service

Friday, July 31, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Per Rosie's explicit wishes, this will not be a somber occasion—she asked that we celebrate her life with joy. Bright, sunny colors are warmly encouraged.

Repast

The Family of Rosemarie Bully invites you to join them in sharing memories and a celebratory meal at:

Aria Restaurant, 33210 W. 14 Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Twp, MI 48322

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Farmington Hills Breast Center Support Services Fund at Corewell Health in memory of Rosemarie Bully. Please visit corewellhealth.org/foundation/southeast/donate, search "Breast Center," and kindly dedicate your gift in her memory.