Rosemarie (Mutch) Carthew

Rosemarie Carthew was born on November 13, 1930 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the second daughter to Edward and Naomi Mutch. She passed away on November 6, 2018, at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, just shy of her 88th birthday. Rosemarie is survived by Robert, her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, daughters Caryl Carthew and Cat Oehlman (David), grand-daughter Caitlin Robinson (Corey), and sister Enid Mellen. She is preceded in death by her father Edward, mother Naomi, and brother-in-law Earl Mellen.

Rosemarie received her early education in a one-room schoolhouse in Aubrey Corners, Wisconsin. graduated from Ithaca High School and attended the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a degree in music education, graduating in 3 ½ years with a Bachelor of Music degree. During her senior year, she served as president of Sigma Alpha Iota and was awarded the Sword of Honor for her outstanding service. She was a music teacher for a number of years. She met Robert while teaching in Platteville, Wisconsin and directing the local church choir. They married on June 25, 1955 in Richland Center and moved to Lewistown, Pennsylvania where Robert was employed by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. They raised two daughters and moved several times due to Robert’s job. They lived for a time in Pennsylvania (Lewistown, Hanover, West Chester, and Bethlehem). They also spent some time on Drummond Island, Michigan before finally settling in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. After Robert’s retirement, they moved to the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. Throughout her life, Rosemarie was active in many church activities (church council, various committees, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir) as well as community activities (Lewistown, Hanover and Palmyra Women’s Clubs). While at the Village, Rosemarie and Robert volunteered with the music therapy program, bringing their love of music to the healthcare residents.

Thank you to the nursing staff at the Masonic Village Healthcare Center for the compassionate care they gave to Rosemarie during her stay with them. Throughout her 3 years on Washington 4, she was always treated with great courtesy and respect. She loved her nurses. During her time with hospice, she received equally compassionate care. Throughout her life, Rosemarie devoted herself to caring for her husband and children. She fostered a love of music in her children and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held in Sell Chapel at Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, at 10:00 am on Monday, November 19, 2018, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. A committal service will take place in the garden at the chapel immediately after the service, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sell Chapel Music Fund at the Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA  17022.  Arrangements have been entrusted with the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022, 717-367-1543.

Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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