July 17, 1942 – April 8, 2026

Rosemary (Rosemarie) Tracy Woods, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, visionary art curator and cherished member of our community, entered eternal rest on April 8, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on July 17, 1942 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Albert Woods and Cleo Lundy.
Raised in Wilmington, Rosemary attended Williston High School before continuing her education in Philadelphia, where she later studied court reporting at Temple University. In time she made her home in Massachusetts devoting herself wholeheartedly to her family. As a loving and steadfast caretaker to her daughter and three grandchildren, she worked tirelessly often holding two jobs to support, nurture, and guide them.
Guided by faith, purpose and a deep passion for the arts, Rosemary embraced the ARTS as her calling. After retiring from the State of Connecticut, she co-founded Art Connection in Hartford, Connecticut and later established Art for the Soul Gallery in Springfield, Massachusetts. Through this work she created far more than a gallery, she built a community. She uplifted and championed marginalized artists helping them discover their gifts and walk confidently in their purpose.
Known for a voice that could command a room and a heart that could hold a city, Rosemary never shied away from difficult conversations or hard work. Friends and colleagues often described her as “a force of nature”, unyielding in principle, yet endlessly generous in spirit. Her light, vision and fierce belief in the transformative power of art will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched.
Beyond the gallery walls, Rosemary was a devoted parent and grandparent, an avid traveler, and a generous mentor to young creatives. She found joy in giving to her family, her community and all who crossed her path. She poured her heart into her beloved “Raisins” (her grands and great-grands), and the dear friends who became family. Known for her thoughtful spirit, kind heart and fearless voice, she lived with grace, strength and unshakeable love.
Affectionally known as Nana, she leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Hassan Muezzin Sultan, Aisha Hanon Sultan, and Akquanna Desima Wells; her greatgrandchildren: Ahmar Lorenzo Sultan, Ahmad Robert Sultan, Robyn Anahnee Washington, Robert Charles Washington, Khalilah Ruby Roach-Zaher, and Amir Dominique Wells; her brothers, Willie Lee Williams Jr. and Darryl Leslie Williams; and her sister, Ovelia Melvin.
She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family and a community of artists, friends, and admirers whose lives were enriched by her presence.
She was welcomed into eternal peace by her beloved daughter, Khalilah Sultan, and her brother, Harold Melvin.
Though she departed this earthly life, Rosemary’s spirit endures in love, art and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. ■