Rosemary Collery Schumann

Rosemary Collery Schumann, a lifelong learner, dedicated educator, and passionate advocate for social justice, passed away on the winter solstice, December 21, 2024, in South Setauket, New York. She was 94 years old.

Born on May 19, 1930, Rosemary was the daughter of Lillian May Froehlich and James Edward Collery. She grew up in Oyster Bay, New York, as the fifth of eight children. Her late siblings included Veronica Kilpatrick, Jay Collery, Arnold Collery, Joan Bell, Paul Collery, and Elizabeth Gorney. She is survived by her sister, Carol Shuttleworth. Despite significant childhood hardships -including severe burns from fireworks at the age of three that required fifteen months of hospitalization and numerous surgeries-Rosemary's resilience and determination became defining traits throughout her life.

From an early age, Rosemary displayed an insatiable thirst for knowledge. As a teenager, she used her babysitting earnings to subscribe to The New York Times and she continued her subscription until her final days. Her academic journey was marked by many accomplishments: she earned a B.A. from Queens College-where she played on the Women's Field Hockey team-a M.S. from Hofstra University, a M.A. from Stony Brook University, and a Doctorate of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University at the age of 53.

Rosemary devoted her career to elementary education. She taught children's literature at Stony Brook University and retired from the Locust Valley Central School District as a reading specialist. Renowned for her engaging teaching style and patience, she left an enduring impact on her students. Even after retiring, she continued to pursue her love of learning by taking classes through Stony Brook University's Lifelong Learning Institute and volunteering as a conversational English partner for international graduate students.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rosemary was deeply committed to progressive causes and social justice. A vocal advocate for equality and inclusion, she actively participated in local politics and frequently hosted fundraisers for political candidates. Her daily attire often featured political buttons reflecting her convictions. A longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, she found spiritual fulfillment within its welcoming and activist community and embraced the Buddhist mantra "each day a new beginning" as a guiding principle in her life.

Rosemary was also an ardent lover of nature who proudly described herself as a "tree hugger." She cherished time spent at the Long Island beaches and on cross-country camping adventures.

For the last 23 years of her life, Rosemary resided at the Jefferson's Ferry Retirement Community-a place she affectionately referred to as "Camp for Old People." There, she embraced an active lifestyle as part of the welcoming committee, activities committee, chorus, NYT reading group, and cat lovers club. She also enjoyed Friday happy hours and weekly meals with friends.

Rosemary was married to Werner William Schumann for sixty years until his passing in 2011. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Voutes (George), her son Werner Schumann Jr., and her beloved granddaughters Emily Voutes and Kamryn Rose Voutes. She also leaves behind over fifty nieces and nephews as well as her faithful feline companion, Kitty-Kitty.

Rosemary will be remembered as loud and boisterous yet patient and kind-a woman who poured her heart into everything she did. Whether organizing family reunions with a bullhorn around her neck or teaching children to read with care and encouragement, she left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy of love, learning, and advocacy will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00am at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket, NY 11733. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosemary's honor may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.