Roselyn Listernick

Roselyn Listernick, 90 years old of Peabody, MA (formerly of Lynnfield and Middleton) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on June 17, 2022.

Born in Cambridge, MA on June 4, 1932, to the late Rev. Dr. John M. Ratcliff (Dean of the School of Religion at Tufts University) and Lucille (Smith) Ratcliff, and younger sister to Nadine Robbins. Roselyn was a graduate of Tufts University, School of Occupational Therapy class of 1954.

Roselyn's passion for music started at an early age. With the voice of an angel, she was an accomplished vocalist and pianist and enjoyed singing in church and choir groups throughout her life and even at Boston's Symphony Hall. Raised as a Universalist, she was active in the Lynnfield Centre Congregational Church for over 40 years and served on numerous local civic committees. She enjoyed nature and the outdoors, whether it was hiking, biking, skiing or spending time in the White Mountains, or visiting family on the Maine coast.

She had a keen interest in family genealogy, tracing family lines back to immigrant ancestors, spending hours combing through archives, giving lectures, and visiting cemeteries throughout New England. She was an active member of the Essex County Genealogical Society conducting research on original families of eastern Mass.

She had a zest for life and greeted friends and family with a big smile, hug, and kiss. Always lent a caring ear to provide comfort, conversation, or worldly advice. She was generous and accepting of all who knew her.

Roselyn was the loving wife of 67 years to Dr. Stanley Listernick, DMD, and devoted, caring supportive mother to Glenn Listernick and his wife Denise, and their two children, Caroline and Christina of Duxbury, MA, daughters, Debra Listernick of Maynard, MA, and Julie (Listernick) Estrada and her husband Ruben of North Andover MA, and their children, Nicole and her husband Brett Robbins, and Brandon. She was a special Auntie to Reed McKenney of Rockland, ME, and late niece Karen Ratcliff and their families.

Visitation hours will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 4 to 7 pm. All friends are invited to share memories of Roselyn. Private Burial Services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, MA, and Rockport, ME.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Burn Institute, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, Tufts Alumni Assoc., Medford, MA, or a charity of your choice.

Thursday, June 23
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880