Visiting hours will be held Thursday evening from 4-7PM and Friday morning from 10-10:30 at the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home 22 Oak Street Hyde Park. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday morning at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church 61 Rockwood Street Jamaica Plain.  Interment at the Gardens of Gethsemane Cemetery West Roxbury, relatives and friends invited.

Rosemary J. (Morad) Zahar, a beacon of love and adventure, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 30, 1926, in Boston, MA, Rosemary was a woman whose vibrant spirit and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Rosemary, affectionately known by those close to her, was the devoted wife of the late Salim J. Zahar. Their partnership, which began in 1965, was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect. She was a loving and dedicated mother to Lorrice M. Burke and her husband Paul of Sandown, NH, Thomas G. Zahar and his wife Annette of Lakeville, and she held dear the memory of her late son, Joseph H. Zahar. Rosemary was also a cherished sister to Josephine Hallow of Westwood and Jean Hadayia of Dedham.

Her role as "Sito" was embraced with joy and pride, as she showered her grandchildren Christopher Zahar, Laurice Nickiloulias, Melissa Cote, Matthew Cote, and the late Thomas S. Zahar with unconditional love. She was also a doting great-grandmother to Hailey, Brady, Raelyn, Preston, Brennan, and Bryson. Her warmth extended to her many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends, who will remember her fondly.

Rosemary's intellect and ambition led her to a remarkable educational journey, culminating in a master's degree. Her professional life was characterized by her role as an engineer, a career that saw her contribute to historic projects like the Apollo Space Craft's heat shields during her time at AVCO Corporation. She later worked at the Bank of Boston as a human resource manager. And then made a career shift to Ethan Allen Galleries, where her passion for design flourished. This passion ultimately inspired her to establish her own successful business, Zahar Interiors, in Tewksbury MA, which she ran for over a decade.

Her interests were as diverse as her talents. Rosemary loved to host and attend Arabic Hafla parties, savoring the culture and cuisine that were close to her heart. She was a connoisseur of fine dining, often frequenting high-end restaurants such as Bishops in Lawrence and Phoenician Restaurant in Methuen. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively, with memorable trips to Hawaii, St. Martin, and across the Caribbean Islands. As a young woman, she served in the Peace Corps, aiding communities in places like Madagascar and Morocco. Her fluency in Arabic and her adventurous spirit were exemplified by her journey on a cargo ship from Africa to the United States while pregnant with Joseph, ensuring he was born an American citizen.

Rosemary had an appreciation for life's finer pleasures, including expensive wines and old-time movies. Her loving nature, adventurous spirit, and spirited demeanor were the hallmarks of her character.

As we bid farewell to Rosemary, we celebrate a life lived with passion, generosity, and a zest for adventure. Her legacy is one of love, service, and an indomitable spirit that will continue to inspire those who were privileged to know her. Rosemary J. (Morad) Zahar's story is one of a life beautifully lived and lovingly remembered.