Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rosemary Chaffee Obituary
Rosemary Chaffee, known to her friends and family as Romi, died peacefully on Dec. 15 2015 at the age of 92. She was born in San Rafael California on May 21, 1923, the daughter of Erica Prager and Frederick Rockwell. She married William Chaffee in 1948, (deceased). They made their home in Okemos, MI and became active members of Haslett Community Church.
She had 5 children; Carter Chaffee(deceased) (Amy), Carolyn (Randy) Good, Catherine (Richard) Collins, Gigi (Jack) Saunders and Robert Chaffee. She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Finishing her MA from MSU in 1980 Romi devoted herself to Teaching, Counseling and Spiritual Mentoring. At the age of 66 she fulfilled her life- long dream of becoming a minister, receiving her MS of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary. She served as Interim minister with UCC for over a decade before retiring to pursue her love of writing. She will be deeply missed by many whose lives she touched and enriched.
Memorial services will be held at the Haslett Community Church on April 16 at 11 am. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton Co. Palliative Care Facility at 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813, where Romi spent her last days under their loving care. Condolences may be sent c/o her daughter, Gigi Saunders, at 6460 Highland Ridge Dr., East Lansing, MI 48823.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rosemary Chaffee
6 Entries
Judy Jahnke
April 5, 2016
I met Romi who encouraged me throughout the first years of my own ministry in the early 1980's. She blessed us all with her calm smiles, her reassurance and faith.
Judy Jahnke
January 21, 2016
I am the daughter of Margaret Rockwell Finch, Rosemary's half-sister. When I first met this long-lost "half-aunt" I couldn't stop staring at her--the shock of realizing my mother had a sister in addition to her three brothers was delicious. And when I had the joy of spending time with Rosemary it was clear to me that their kinship was more than physical.
It was such an honor to know Rosemary, a wise and fascinating person who clearly had a great impact on the world. Thank you Rosemary for your courage and integrity, and for the precious counsel you shared with me during our time together in Ohio.
I am sure that many people are missing Rosemary now, and I send my deep sympathies to each of you. At the same time, I have no doubt that she is in a happy place.
with love,
Annie Finch
Susan K Weier
December 28, 2015
Romi was an honored interim minister colleague and mentor. I appreciated her life experience, directness, and wisdom. Thanks for letting your light shine Romi!
Margaret "Julie" Hughan Finch
December 28, 2015
Condolences and hugs to her immediate family. My mother, Maggie Rockwell Finch so enjoyed her discovery of her half sister, and their reunion in Bath, Maine about 15 years ago.I too, enjoyed meeting "Romi", Rosemary, and had a good talk with her then. So sorry I never corresponded more with her, and am sorry she has passed on. A beautiful spiritual person. affectionately, Margaret "Julie" Hughan Finch
Rev. Susan Gabbard
December 28, 2015
Romi had a tremendous impact on my life. With her encouragement, I'm now an ordained minister in the UCC. She helped bring about much-needed change in our congregation and the good effects are still felt to this day. It's now vibrant and thriving! My thoughts are with her family during this time of grief. May we remember and celebrate Romi always! Well done, good and faithful servant!
Carol Ingells
December 27, 2015
Romi was a loved and respected friend for many years. I share in your loss of this good woman. I am grateful for her long life. She will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Rosemary Chaffee's name
Memorial Events
for Rosemary Chaffee
How to support Rosemary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rosemary Chaffee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
