Mrs. Lanshe was born on Nov. 13, 1931 in Short Tract to V. Q. and Gertrude Julia (Smith) Jermain. She was a 1949 graduate of Griffith Institute and Central School in Springville. She earned her Bachelors of Arts from SUNY at Geneseo, her Masters of Arts from Alfred University and her Doctorate from Florida International University. After her graduation from Geneseo, Rosemary took an extended bicycle trip through Denmark and surrounding countries which she thoroughly enjoyed. On Sept. 1, 1956, she married Richard J. Lanshe at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Springville and he predeceased her on May 21, 2007.
After teaching in Rochester, Rosemary continued her academic career at Alfred State College where she was the Director of the Reading and Study Skills Program from 1960-77. In 1977, along with her family, she moved to Davie, Fla. to continue her career with Broward Community College. Rosemary’s professionalism and dedication to her job advanced not only her teaching career, but also expanded her duties to include curriculum director of three campuses at Broward Community College. This led to her being chosen to direct the English Curriculum for the College at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. She also developed curriculum within the United States, traveling to Dartmouth, Savannah and Oxford, among others. Rosemary also directed the honors program and received awards for her efforts.
Rosemary is survived by two daughters, Kathryn J. Lanshe of Alfred and Barbara Lanshe of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, V. Q. Jermain, Jr.
Rosemary had a lifelong passion for reading, especially history. She enjoyed travelling, and true to her Irish heritage, she especially loved her trip to Ireland. Rosemary loved pets. The home was a virtual zoo of cats, dogs, rabbits, and not to be forgotten, Sam “Bandit” Henderson, their longtime pet raccoon. Her kindness manifested itself in many ways, and to many people.
To her daughter, Kathryn, she was a mother, best friend, protector and confidant. Every phone conversation, and there were many, ended with “I love you” which solicited the response of “I love you more” to which came the reply “No, I love you more”. They travelled everywhere together, with mom usually leading the way.
Rosemary was an active member of St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church in Davie and St. Jude Parish in Alfred.
There will be a time of visitation on Monday (March 6) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude Parish in Alfred. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 1:30 p.m. immediately following the visitation. Due to wintertime restrictions, a graveside service will be held at a time to be determined at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Springville.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville.
Memorial contributions in Rosemary’s name may be made to Catholic Charities of Western New York, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.
