The Rev. Rosemarie Carnarius

The Rev. Rosemarie Carnarius Born November 27, 1938, The Rev. Rosemarie Carnarius made her transition on October 10, 2015, after a long and valiant struggle that originated with complications from failed hip surgery, resulting in an early retirement from ministry. She then concentrated on her gift for writing and ultimately published five books on the need for personal and societal transformation, skillfully isolating the major impediments to progress. Among these are the ravaging effects of excessive consumerism and the dehumanizing consequences of militarism and war, resulting in atrocities, waste, and endless suffering. Promoting instead the oneness of life, universal human rights, peace with justice, environmental protection and reconciliation of science and religion, she offers a blueprint for a spirituality of the 21st century. Among her books are "Liberating Masculine and Feminine"; "Envisioning a New World"; "Humanity at a Crossroads"; "Armageddon or Awakening"; "One Light, One Spirit". She is also the author of five books of poetry compiled and published in 2014. Titles are: "Reflections from a Riper Hour"; "Sounds of Protest, Songs of Praise"; "Gold Dust from a Midnight Sun"; "Light Above the Clouds" and "A Scent of Beauty". A native of former East Germany, Rosemarie experienced as a child the Second World War and the twin tyrannies of fascism and communism. These experiences shaped her life and inspired her to be an agent of change. Thus, her vision of a transformed world is uniquely rooted in a dynamic partnership of spirituality and politics. At seventeen, she escaped to West Germany, and in 1960 arrived in America with her husband, Roderick. They resided in Bucks County, PA, raising a son and daughter. Enthralled with the beauty of the Southwest, Rosemarie moved to Tucson in 1984. After initially working as Religious Education Director at the Unitarian Universalist Church, she fulfilled a life-long call to study for the ministry. She enrolled at Starr King School for the Ministry, an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, and received her Master's of Divinity in 1991. After her ordination in 1992, she immediately began a two-month speaking tour at the invitation of the German Unitarians. Traveling extensively and engaging with a wide variety of people, she deeply reconnected with her German roots. The experience was poignant and inspiring. She served churches in Cheyenne, WY, Las Cruces, NM and Tucson, AZ, where she was invited to be Minister in Association in 1998. This allowed her to continue a scaled-down version of ministry. In 1994, her interest was kindled by the Enneagram, a compelling typology of nine basic personalities and a powerful tool for personal growth. She enthusiastically introduced it to the congregations she served, reaching hundreds of members who spoke of being singularly enriched by its value and wisdom. Rosemarie had a passion for beauty, music, drama, photography, and an enduring love for nature. A romantic and visionary, she preferred living at the edge, trusting in the goodness and generosity of life. Her capacity for connecting with people from the heart earned her the reputation of never having met a stranger. Mourning her transition and celebrating her uncommon life are her long-time partner, Aston Bloom; son, Michael (Karla); daughter, Patricia (Brad); grandchildren, Ian Christopher, Kristen, Nicole, Michael and Lesley; sister, Karin (Rolf); nephews and nieces and other relatives in Germany, as well as dear friends in both this country and abroad. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson. Donations in honor of Rosemarie's life and work can be made to ANERA American Near East Refugee Aid, 1111 14th St. NW #400, Washington, DC 22225. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.