Iconic San Antonio businesswoman and philanthropist Rosemary Kowalski died Tuesday at the age of 100.
One of Texas’ most successful entrepreneurs, Kowalski is best remembered for co-launching a small barbecue shack called Uncle Ben’s Diner in 1946. That diner near St. Mary’s University went on to evolve into Catering by Rosemary, which won its big break by securing the catering contract for HemisFair ’68.
Four years later, the company won the catering contract at the Henry B. González Convention Center — a contract it still holds today under its culinary conglomerate named The RK Group. Today, The RK Group employs more than 800 people and caters more than 3,000 events annually at the convention center.
Among Kowalski’s lifetime of accolades, she once personally served meals and cocktails to several dignitaries including Pope John Paul II and Queen Elizabeth II.
Best friend of former San Antonio Mayor Lila Cockrell, both women were awarded honorary doctorates by St. Mary’s University in 2017.
Kowalski is one of a select few women who have been inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, and she served on numerous nonprofit boards across the city.
She celebrated her 100th birthday on Sept. 27 and last week was named the 2025 grand marshal for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade.
The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word, Incarnate Word High School, CHRISTUS Health and all of its ministries sent out a statement Tuesday offering sincere condolences to the family.
“Rosemary led a beautiful life of service to others, and she epitomized grace in that service for decades in both her professional and personal endeavors,” the statement read. “As an Incarnate Word High School alumna, Rosemary was a close friend and supporter to all our ministries, and we want to thank her for her decades of service and support. The Sisters are in prayer for Rosemary and the Kowalski family.”
