Roseann Marie Ursino of Seattle, WA passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2024. Born on April 10, 1937, in Seattle, Roseann was the first-born to proud parents Daniel and Rose Ursino. She had 6 and a half years with her parents before she had to share life with her beloved little brother Daniel Ursino. When her brother arrived, she was not ready to lose the spotlight, and told many stories about the torment she caused poor Dan. But soon her brother was the apple of her eye and that fondness never faltered! Roseann had a wonderful childhood in a home filled with nothing but love. She was full of amazing stories of growing up Italian and adventures with her extended family.

Roseann graduated from Highline High School and soon after married Lemuel Chester “Chet” Smith. Roseann and Chet had four children: Michael (Smith), Cynthia (Denny), Karen (Bienz) and Daniel (Smith-Ursino). They moved from Seattle to Brier, WA where they raised their family. After Roseann and Chet separated, she started working as a demonstrator at Fred Meyer and moved into meat wrapping. In true Roseann fashion, she quickly became the first female meat cutter in the Seattle Union. Roseann worked downtown at Anco meats in the 70’s-80’s, and to say she was a tough cookie is an understatement. 

While enjoying Baked Alaska at dinner with girlfriends, Roseann met the love of her life, James “Michael” McCrackin. He gave her his business card, she called him, and the rest is the most beautiful love story. Roseann and Michael flipped houses before it was cool and had many on Queen Anne, some that became commercial investments. During their life together they lived in a beautiful houseboat on Lake Union and two different homes on top of Queen Anne Hill. With these two, life was truly an adventure to be enjoyed to the fullest. As a family, we all watched Mom and Pop as they sang to each other and danced in the street like teenagers. Together they had 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Roseann loved to joke, “If I had known grandkids were so much fun, I would have had them first!”

Roseann loved gardening, reading, traveling and, most of all, spending time with her family. She was a lifelong advocate for women’s rights, animals, children, and all people to be treated with equality and compassion. She was still marching in the streets of Seattle in her 80’s with her granddaughter Danielle by her side, a big sign over her head. She believed in humanity and peace. Roseann passed this unwavering compassion, empathy, and unconditional love onto her children and grandchildren who will carry it for generations. 

Roseann is survived by her brother Daniel (Marie) Ursino, children Michael (Sherri) Smith, Cynthia Denny, Karen Bienz, stepchildren Casey (Janelle) McCrackin, and Michele (Dan) Seever, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the most amazing group of friends.

Roseann was preceded in death by her parents Dan and Rose Ursino, husband Michael McCrackin, Chet Smith, son Daniel Smith-Ursino and grandson Steven Bienz.

Funeral services will be held August 9, 2024, at 12:00 pm

Bellevue Unitarian Church

12700 SE 32nd St

Bellevue, WA 98005

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Roseann’s name to one of her most beloved charities:

Melanoma Research Foundation 

Melanoma Research Foundation

Wonderland 

Wonderland Child & Family Services | Early Support for Infants & Toddlers