Rosemary Howe Wetherill

January 13, 2012

Rosemary Howe Wetherill, 84, died Friday at her home in Providence Place, Pottsville.

Rosemary was born in Philadelphia, Aug. 15, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Arthur Whitney Howe Jr. and Willie Moss Howe.

Due to the Depression, Rosemary lived in many places throughout her childhood. After marriage, she and Fred moved to Pennington, N.J., where they raised their family. Upon retirement, they moved to Chestertown, Md., and then onto their motor-sailor, Sonsy. After cruising the East Coast on Sonsy for years, they settled in Ocracoke, N.C.

Rose was an extraordinary contributor to the communities in which she lived. She believed in the importance of civic participation. While living in Pennington, she served on the planning board, and then borough council and helped start the business association. During this time, she also established and developed the Queenstown Shop, which started as a consignment gift store and evolved into an art supply and framing shop and gallery. She then owned and operated the Reynolds Shop, which sold women's apparel. During this time she opened Up To You, a teen boutique. She also owned and developed a small bookstore, The Book Peddlers. While living in Chestertown, she worked in sales and business operations at the Greg Neck Marina. In Ocracoke, she managed and then worked at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum store.

Rose was a gifted craft artist. Her needlework, especially Fair Isle knitting, was remarkable. While living in Ocracoke, she was a dedicated and ardent member of the local quilting club.

Rose and Fred enjoyed a wonderful life together. They were adoring parents and were adored by their children. Through their journey they met innumerable friends, whom they held dear.

Rose was devoted to many charitable causes, most notably the Ocracoke Preservation Society. She was an avid reader, with a passion for history.

She was preceded in death by her husband, A. Frederic Wetherill; and her brother, Arthur Whitney Howe III.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Whitney Wetherill and Walter Hetzel, Rosemary "Maisie" and Dan Roden, Diana and Thomas Beausang, and Christopher Wetherill and Carolyn Marconis. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from the Chapel of Resurrection at Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions to Rosemary made to The Ocracoke Preservation Society, 49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960 (252) 928-7375 or to your local free public library. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences to rosemary's family can be sent by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com.