Mary Rose Waterhouse Root

Mary Rose Waterhouse Root was born on October 18, 1952, at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to Charles A. Waterhouse and Ruth Weiss. She grew up in Hawthorne, where she treasured spending time with family and friends at Greenwood Lake. After graduating from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Grammar School and attending Hawthorne High School, Mary moved to Decatur, Georgia, to live with her brother George. She graduated from Shamrock High School in 1970.

At Shamrock, Mary met the love of her life, Gary Donald Root. They married in 1973 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur. Gary preceded her in death.

Mary was deeply committed to the communities where she lived. She served as co-president of the Gwinnett PTA Council and was a member of the Gwinnett County School Board in 1997. Her campaign slogan was, “Give a hoot, vote for Mary Root!” She also played a pivotal role in the American Cancer Society’s Gwinnett County Relay for Life. Mary supported myositis fundraising and contributed gift baskets to the American Cancer Society Fashion Show. Through her gift basket business, she shared her creativity and thoughtfulness with others.

Mary’s faith was central to her life. She and Gary were among the first members of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She generously gave her time and talents to the church, especially by creating beautiful flower arrangements, and cherished attending weekly Mass.

Mary also supported Gwin Oaks Elementary and Brookwood High Schools, served as a Brookwood youth cheerleading coach, and participated in the Ms. Brookwood Pageant. She was involved with the Hospital Board, the Lawrenceville Women’s Club, Sugarloaf Garden Club, and Cricket Ridge Women’s Club. As a devoted soccer, football, and baseball mom, she was a steady and enthusiastic presence for her family.

One of Mary’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren, Riley and Elizabeth. She loved being part of their lives and treasured watching them grow up. Sharing in their experiences and milestones brought her great happiness, and she held those special moments close to her heart.

Mary is survived by her sons Douglas Root and his wife, Jane; Jimmy Root; and Jesse Root; her grandchildren, Riley and Elizabeth; and her brothers George Waterhouse and his wife, Marie Jacqueline, of Decatur, Georgia, and John Waterhouse and his wife, Elizabeth, of Pittsgrove, New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her parents, Charles A. Waterhouse and Ruth Weiss; and her brother Charles G. Waterhouse. Charles G. is survived by his spouse, Judy Gowdy, of Cummington, Massachusetts.

Mary will be remembered for her faith, generosity, creativity, and steadfast devotion to her family and community. Her many acts of service touched the lives of those around her, and she will be dearly missed.