December 2, 1951 - November 5, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - Rosemarna (Sepanik) Pajerski, 72, Bradenton, Florida passed unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. She was born on December 2nd, 1951, in Libertyville, Illinois, to the late Edward and Mary Agnus Sepanik (Jorgenson).
A 1969 graduate of Miami Carol City Highschool, she earned her B.A. degree with Honors in Mathematics at the University of South Florida (Tampa) in 1973 while also working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Rose's long and distinguished career with NASA began at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD where she was responsible for maintaining software systems that computed satellite orbits at the Goddard Space Flight Center.
In addition, she worked in the Orbital Mechanics Section of the Systems Development and Analysis Branch in the Mission Operations and Data Directorate, the Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL), and was appointed to the Software Engineering Branch of the Flight Dynamics Division where she was the Advanced Technology Section Head and managed 16 NASA mathematicians and engineers. She was awarded an EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE MEDAL in recognition of her significant contributions in systems technology to the aerospace and software communities in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
After retiring from NASA in 1997, Rose went to work for Fraunhofer USA Center Mid-Atlantic (CMA) in Riverdale, Maryland (an affiliate of the University of Maryland) which focused on Advanced Software and Systems Engineering and drove critical thinking and software-enabled solutions for its customers in the government and academia. Rose loved playing mahjong, reading, going out with friends, attending Blues music festivals and was an avid tennis player in her early years to include serving as the President of the Tennis Club at Goddard Space Flight Center.
She had a soft spot for all animals, especially neighborhood dogs which she always had treats at the ready earning her the nickname Aunt Rose. Whether it was taking in homeless felines, donating much needed funds to the local wildlife center and shelters or giving out treats to the passing pups, Rose's quiet advocacy and generosity to those that needed it most reflected her kindness and thoughtful spirit. Rose believed in helping others and did so with little fanfare by volunteering at the Lifelong Learning Academy in Sarasota, Florida and through her philanthropic support of many charities and local nonprofits to include the Manatee Community Foundation, The Bishop Museum, Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center in Manatee County, Florida, Manatee Performing Art Center, and local hurricane relief funds. Rose is survived by her precious companion Gayla (her cat). Further survived by her former husband Frank Joseph Pajerski, Jr., her family Mary (Bill) Watke, David (Molly) Watke, Maggie (Chris) Bannowsky, children Kyle and Brody. Judy Wall, Francis (Clarissa) Wall, son Jack, Thomas Wall, Chrisina (Mike) Bienapfl, children Sophie and Tommy. Rose was blessed with wonderful long-time friends Keiji and Ann Tasaki, Frank McGarry, Howard Heuberger, Leigh Bass, Sue Gleeksman, Michelle English, Patti Quick, Yvonne Miller, Jessica Torres, Wendell Graham, Tom McLaughlin and former spouse Frank Joseph Pajerski, Jr. She will be missed by all. Rose is preceded in death by her parents and cousin Tom Wall.
Donations in Rose's memory can be made to the Sepanik Giving Fund c/o Manatee Community Foundation (Bradenton, Florida); Wildlife Inc.
Education and Rehabilitation Center (Bradenton Beach, Florida) or your local animal shelter. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, November 18th from 10am to 12pm at Brown & Son Funeral Home: 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date in Green Bay where Rosemarna will be laid to rest with her family. Condolences can be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
