Community members gather to honor the memory of Rosemary Keibler, a dedicated educator and mother.
The Houston community pays tribute to Rosemary Keibler, a cherished mother and educator, who recently passed away. Known for her warmth and dedication, her legacy will live on through her family and the lives she touched as a teacher. Keibler’s involvement in community and church activities reflected her commitment to service and love, leaving behind a strong family connection with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Houston – Rosemary Keibler, a beloved mother, educator, and community member, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of love and service to her family and friends. She is survived by her four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with growing family ties that will be nurtured for generations to come.
Born to Frank and Katherine McNamara in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Rosemary was the second of two daughters. The McNamara family initially resided in New York City where Rosemary’s elder sister, Marguerite, was born. Soon after, they relocated to Dunmore, where Rosemary was welcomed into the world. Frank McNamara worked as a sales representative for Gardner Denver, specializing in mining equipment, and his career would see the family relocating to California and later, the Philippines in 1940.
As tensions escalated in the region with the advancement of Imperial Japanese forces, the family faced an imminent threat. The McNamara family, including young Rosemary and her sister, managed to escape on the last ship before the invasion occurred. Frank, however, stayed behind and endured the hardships of a prisoner of war camp, eventually released in 1945 by General Douglas MacArthur at the conclusion of World War II.
Following the war, the family settled back into Dunmore until Frank resumed his career, leading them to find a new home in El Paso, Texas. It was in El Paso that Rosemary graduated high school and further pursued her education, earning a teaching degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. Educating from the heart, Rosemary began her career in underserved areas and eventually served as a special geography teacher, helping to shape the lives of many young students.
In June 1959, Rosemary met Harry Keibler on a blind date set up by her best friend, and they married soon after. The couple welcomed their first child, Eric, followed by daughter Colleen, and later expanded their family with Kristin and Jason. In pursuit of their dreams, the Keibler family moved to Odessa, Texas, before settling down in Houston once Harry retired, allowing them to be closer to their children.
Rosemary’s love for her church and community remained unwavering throughout her life. She actively participated in various Theresian groups and dedicated herself to spiritual growth. Her passion for traveling took her to Europe and South America, enriching her life experiences and deepening her connections with those around her.
In her later years, Rosemary moved to Brookdale Galleria, where she received additional physical support but maintained a strong bond with her caregivers, particularly her nighttime caregiver, Oscar, who provided companionship and care during her time there.
Rosemary Keibler will be remembered for her warmth, deep faith, and the indelible ties she nurtured within her family. She is survived by Eric and Ann Keibler, Colleen and Cary Friesenhahn, Kristin Pattillo, and Jason Keibler, along with numerous grandchildren and an impressive legacy of seventeen great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.
In honor of Rosemary’s life and loving service, donations can be made to charitable organizations that reflect her values, including the Cenacle Sisters and Sisters of Charity at Villa de Matel. Her contributions to her family, community, and the lives she touched will endure, carrying forward the principles of love, service, and commitment she exemplified throughout her life.
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