Rose Marie Chapman died on September 15, 2011 at her Hemlock Farms, PA home. She was 76.

Rose-Marie was born in Fulda, Germany on April 17, 1935. After World War II, she and her mother and sister escaped the Russian-occupied area and fled to West Germany to unite with her father.

She worked at one of Germany’s largest bookstores, and was transferred to Wittenborn Art Books in New York City, where she served as executive vice-president. Her customers included all of the major museums and libraries of the world, and famous individuals like Jacqueline Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Miro and current leading architects. She married John Chapman in New York City on August 10, 1961 and the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Hotel Fauchere in Milford, PA this past August.

In the early 1970s, Rose-Marie and her husband week-ended at Hemlock Farms. After retirement, they moved there full time. She loved the USA and became a naturalized citizen. She was elected numerous times to be a committeeperson of the Pike County Democratic Party. She was a founding member of the auxiliary of the Hemlock Farms Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company and was an avid participant in the “Neighbor 2 Neighbor Club.” While bed-ridden with spinal stenosis and its complications, she became an advocate for the welfare of animals.

Rose-Marie is survived by her husband; a sister Jutta Rutter of Munich, Germany; and her cat Meha.

Services were held on Sunday, October 2 at the Church of Hemlock Farms.

Donations may be made to the ASPCA or the Hemlock Farms Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company.