Rosemary Ellen Metzger, avid gardener
Rosemary Ellen Metzger, “Rowie,” 96, of Lewes passed away Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. She was born Feb. 26, 1927, in Washington, D.C., daughter of the late Francis K. and Elizabeth N. Metzger.
Rosemary earned a bachelor of science degree from the School of Nursing at Georgetown University. She worked as a registered nurse at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., for over 35 years until her retirement in 1985. Rosemary’s love for the seashore brought her to move to Lewes, first as a part-time resident, then later full time. She sold her first historic home on Fourth Street in Lewes, which was relocated to Shipcarpenter Square. Her second historic home on Railroad Avenue was her permanent home for 41 years.
Rosemary worked part time at The Children’s Beach House and volunteered at several nonprofit organizations, including the Lewes Historical Society. She was a loyal dog owner to her beloved dogs, Isis, Sisi, Cindy and Lexi. Rosemary was an avid gardener, and her gardens were often part of the annual Lewes Garden Tour. Her true calling and passion was caring for children – those in the neighborhood, and also her nieces and nephews, the children of her late sister Patricia, along with her great-nieces and -nephews.
In addition to her parents, Rosemary was preceded in death by her sisters: Patricia M. Wright and Gloria M. Smith; and her great-nieces: Laura J. Simpson and Jessica L. Petsche. She is survived by her brother, David K. Metzger (Patricia); her nieces and nephews: Karen E. Simpson, Deborah A. Farrell, Edwin F. Jacobsen, Mary Teresa “Terri” Jacobsen, Elizabeth A. DeMarr, Paul I. Jacobsen, Carolyn J. Petsche, David M. Metzger, Suzanne M. Metzger, Lisa M. Metzger, Collette A. Martino, Drew M. Harcum and Monique A. Morano; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Children’s Beach House in Lewes.
Visit Rosemary’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
