Rosemary V. Fleming

April 18, 1920 - July 28, 2013

 

Rosemary Virginia Fleming 93 of George Town, Texas, formerly of Ft. Myers, Florida and Madison Wisconsin went to be with her heavenly father Sunday July 28,2013.`She passed away at the “Tifffen House”  with Lily a very dear staff member and friend.

Born in Chicago Illinois on April 18, 1920 to the late LD Keeslar Sr. and Mary Louise Birdwell-Keeslar. Rosemary was preceded in death by her Husband of 50+ years Walter Fleming, Daughter, Cheryl Lynn Fleming-Halliday, Brother, Kieth Norman Keeslar, Brother LD Keeslar Jr. and many very dear friends and colleagues who considered Rosemary a part of their families.

Rosemary was a Graduate of University of Illinois, where she studied Environmental Science. She retired from the Arboretum in Madison Wisconsin where there is a Marsh Land park that Dane County named after her. Not only did her passion for the environment span her lifelong career but, Rosemary was dedicated volunteer to Black Hawk Girl Scout Council. She was just to mention a few of her roles a troop leader, Trainer for new Volunteers, developed and coordinated many programs Day Camps, K-12 school field trips in cooperation  the Arboretum, environmental service projects, serviced on the board of directors. Rosemary received the highest award given by GSUSA “The Thanks Badge”. Black Hawk Council in appreciation for the many selfless hours of service and to honor her instituted “The Rosemary Fleming Award” this award is given to on a yearly basis to a volunteer who emulates Rosemary’s commitment to the Girl Scout Movement, dedication to volunteer service advancement of environmental education and improvement of the natural world. Rosemary was also very active at the Girl Scout camp, Camp Black Hawk in Elton Wisconsin. Her famous staff orientation Bog walks and other environmental trainings. She played an active role in Woman’s Week for many years. Rosemary touched so many young people’s lives as well as her contemporary’s her legacy will live on for many generations to come.

When Rosemary and Walt retired they moved to Ft. Myers Florida, She quickly got involved with, The Six Mile Cypress Nature Center is where she volunteered, and her role was to educate visitors about peacefully co-existing with wildlife. She was also active in Coccoloba Chapter of the Native Plant Society, Rosemary was a master gardener.

Rosemary and Walt were very active in Buckingham Presbyterian Church they serviced in a variety of roles.

Rosemary is survived by daughter Nancy Cleary, Son Rick Fleming, Grandchildren Jennifer Canchola, Sean Cleary and Jodi Smith and many Great Grandchildren as well as Great Great Grandchildren.  She also survived by her Sister-in-law Ruth Keeslar, Niece Diane Keeslar Maynard- Boliek and many Great and Great Great Nieces and Nephews.

The family felt this would be away we could all celebrate her life. Rosemary touched so many people but they are spread so far apart and each of you are special and important. These entrees will also help in the healing process of her family and a way for the younger members of the family to get to know a very awesome woman.