Rosalie Semente

Rosalie “Lee” Pillar Semente, 91, of Chesterfield, MO, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2026.

Born October 12, 1934, in New York City to José and Josephina Rodriguez, Lee was a lifelong New Yorker at heart, even as she spent her later years closer to family in Missouri and Florida. She attended Fordham University during a time when few women were on campus, and married the love of her life, Arthur Carmen Semente, in June 1955—a marriage that spanned decades and was filled with devotion. Art often referred to her simply and lovingly as “my beautiful bride.”

Lee was deeply invested in her community. She dedicated over 40 years to education as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Wyandanch and Brentwood school systems (1965–2007), where she mentored and supported generations of students. When she wasn’t working in the classroom, she served with the Brentwood Ambulance Corps and as a board member of Catholic Charities, living out her belief in mission and service every day.

To her family, she was simply “Mom,” or “Nana,” a role she cherished above all else. Nothing brought her more joy than having her family together. She took her role seriously as the host of countless Thanksgivings, Christmases, and Easter gatherings—and happily relied on catering and the contributions of others to bring the meals to life. She loved Christmas, especially collecting animatronic Santas and baroque angels, along with reading good books and tackling a challenging crossword puzzle.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur, and her daughter, Lauren Longobardi—losses she carried the remainder of her life.

Lee is survived by her children Karen Isaacs, Deborah (Steve) Cotariu, and Mark Semente; and her grandchildren Heather Cotariu, Christopher Cotariu, Lisa Sabino, Gina Longobardi,  Sam Longobardi and great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to others, and the unmistakable way she made people feel welcomed and cared for—perfectly imperfect, deeply loved, and impossible  to forget.