Rosemary L. Baum
April 26, 1931 ~ July 10, 2022 (age 91)
Obituary
Rosemary L. Baum passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022, at Berkshire Center in Reading, PA. She was born on April 26, 1931, in Chicago, only child of Walter C. and Agnes (Benna) Luczak.
Rosemary divided time between home in Riverside, IL, and Our Lady of Bethlehem Academy (OLB) in La Grange Park, IL during her early childhood. She graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest, IL, Class of 1949. On her CB&Q (Burlington Northern) train commute to Chicago's Loop and Marshall Fields & Co. flagship store, Rosemary met a fellow employee, Richard H. Baum, from Hinsdale.
In 1950, they married and lived a short time in La Grange before settling in Hinsdale, IL. Rosemary became a full-time homemaker and proud mother of the four 'Baum Boys'. From 1952 to 1983, the Baum's lived in the same house on Washington Street.
Beyond her regular involvement with PTA's, Rosemary had a talent for recognizing a community need and used her creativity and passion to solve it and offer it to the community. With a dress-maker mother as a mentor and a passion for all arts, Rosemary handmade denim knapsacks as a precursor to backpacks for early school-aged children; she instituted a "Picture Lady" Art Appreciation Program at Oak School as a way to share her love of art and expose young children to the Fine Arts. Following along her kids' involvement in music, she saw a glaring need for connecting affordable instruments and parents of Hinsdale school district children taking music lessons. Rosemary originated a not-for-profit Seller & Seekers File Exchange for Musical Instruments (a precursor to eBay & Reverb long before the internet) which grew to have an international demand. Her passion for education contributed to her being elected as the first woman to two terms on the District 86 School Board and promptly became Board Secretary. About the time her brood became less dependent, she created Rosemary Baum Interiors. With impeccable taste, use of color, and creative genius, Rosemary helped many clients who all became dear friends renovate, transform, decorate their homes to their historical epoch, including the storied Hallmark home on First Street.
Rosemary and Richard built a home and became summer and vacation residents of Sister Bay (Door County), Wisconsin from 1963 until 1995. Mrs. Baum enjoyed corralling all four boys during these happy times and was active on the Door County Beautification Board and a design consultant for Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Gift Shop; and, when its business expanded and was reconstructed of traditional Swedish architecture—she suggested to Al & Ingert they put goats on its grass roofs.
In 1983, Richard and Rosemary relocated to San Juan Capistrano, CA. Rosemary immediately became active in the neighborhood association in various capacities as well as continuing her business as a talented interior designer. Their 53-year love story suspended with Richard's passing in 2003. Rosemary remained in SJC until 2012. She then moved to Berks County, PA, to be near youngest son, James, and his family until her passing.
Rosemary, in whatever endeavor she engaged, was persistent, principled, energetic, lived her life as a wonderfully spiritual person who espoused the Golden Rule, overcame the effects of undiagnosed Lyme Disease in the 1970's that became physically challenging rheumatoid arthritis for many decades—and never did she complain about this condition. She passed along her outgoing, friendly nature to all of her sons, and her loving marriage and devotion to immediate family was a role model for all who knew her well.
She was passionate about: antiques (treasure hunting), Steiff Teddy Bear collecting, rose gardening, hummingbirds, politics & current events, as well as her husband's favorite sports teams – especially the Chicago (then lovable losers) Cubs and da Bears!
Rosemary is survived by sons: #1: Gregory (Linda G), #2: Richard L (Robin D), #3: William (Karen K.), and #4: James (Michelle P); twelve brilliant grandchildren, preceded by granddaughter, Audrey (2004) and fifteen flourishing great-grandchildren.
There will be a small family service later this year in California. As the daughter-in-law of Harry Neal Baum and Brenda Baum, and as Secretary to the Baum Family Trust during Richard H's tenure as Trustee, Rosemary will join her beloved Richard in the L. Frank Baum Family Plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA.
The Baum Boys would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the members of the nursing and care staff at Keystone Villa at Douglassville, Complete Care at Berkshire Center, and Caring Hospice in Reading, PA for their devotion and compassionate care for Rosemary in her final years and days.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
Services
April 26, 1931 ~ July 10, 2022 (age 91)
Obituary
Rosemary L. Baum passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022, at Berkshire Center in Reading, PA. She was born on April 26, 1931, in Chicago, only child of Walter C. and Agnes (Benna) Luczak.
Rosemary divided time between home in Riverside, IL, and Our Lady of Bethlehem Academy (OLB) in La Grange Park, IL during her early childhood. She graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest, IL, Class of 1949. On her CB&Q (Burlington Northern) train commute to Chicago's Loop and Marshall Fields & Co. flagship store, Rosemary met a fellow employee, Richard H. Baum, from Hinsdale.
In 1950, they married and lived a short time in La Grange before settling in Hinsdale, IL. Rosemary became a full-time homemaker and proud mother of the four 'Baum Boys'. From 1952 to 1983, the Baum's lived in the same house on Washington Street.
Beyond her regular involvement with PTA's, Rosemary had a talent for recognizing a community need and used her creativity and passion to solve it and offer it to the community. With a dress-maker mother as a mentor and a passion for all arts, Rosemary handmade denim knapsacks as a precursor to backpacks for early school-aged children; she instituted a "Picture Lady" Art Appreciation Program at Oak School as a way to share her love of art and expose young children to the Fine Arts. Following along her kids' involvement in music, she saw a glaring need for connecting affordable instruments and parents of Hinsdale school district children taking music lessons. Rosemary originated a not-for-profit Seller & Seekers File Exchange for Musical Instruments (a precursor to eBay & Reverb long before the internet) which grew to have an international demand. Her passion for education contributed to her being elected as the first woman to two terms on the District 86 School Board and promptly became Board Secretary. About the time her brood became less dependent, she created Rosemary Baum Interiors. With impeccable taste, use of color, and creative genius, Rosemary helped many clients who all became dear friends renovate, transform, decorate their homes to their historical epoch, including the storied Hallmark home on First Street.
Rosemary and Richard built a home and became summer and vacation residents of Sister Bay (Door County), Wisconsin from 1963 until 1995. Mrs. Baum enjoyed corralling all four boys during these happy times and was active on the Door County Beautification Board and a design consultant for Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Gift Shop; and, when its business expanded and was reconstructed of traditional Swedish architecture—she suggested to Al & Ingert they put goats on its grass roofs.
In 1983, Richard and Rosemary relocated to San Juan Capistrano, CA. Rosemary immediately became active in the neighborhood association in various capacities as well as continuing her business as a talented interior designer. Their 53-year love story suspended with Richard's passing in 2003. Rosemary remained in SJC until 2012. She then moved to Berks County, PA, to be near youngest son, James, and his family until her passing.
Rosemary, in whatever endeavor she engaged, was persistent, principled, energetic, lived her life as a wonderfully spiritual person who espoused the Golden Rule, overcame the effects of undiagnosed Lyme Disease in the 1970's that became physically challenging rheumatoid arthritis for many decades—and never did she complain about this condition. She passed along her outgoing, friendly nature to all of her sons, and her loving marriage and devotion to immediate family was a role model for all who knew her well.
She was passionate about: antiques (treasure hunting), Steiff Teddy Bear collecting, rose gardening, hummingbirds, politics & current events, as well as her husband's favorite sports teams – especially the Chicago (then lovable losers) Cubs and da Bears!
Rosemary is survived by sons: #1: Gregory (Linda G), #2: Richard L (Robin D), #3: William (Karen K.), and #4: James (Michelle P); twelve brilliant grandchildren, preceded by granddaughter, Audrey (2004) and fifteen flourishing great-grandchildren.
There will be a small family service later this year in California. As the daughter-in-law of Harry Neal Baum and Brenda Baum, and as Secretary to the Baum Family Trust during Richard H's tenure as Trustee, Rosemary will join her beloved Richard in the L. Frank Baum Family Plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA.
The Baum Boys would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the members of the nursing and care staff at Keystone Villa at Douglassville, Complete Care at Berkshire Center, and Caring Hospice in Reading, PA for their devotion and compassionate care for Rosemary in her final years and days.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
Services
Rosemary L. Baum
April 26, 1931 ~ July 10, 2022 (age 91)
Obituary
Rosemary L. Baum passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022, at Berkshire Center in Reading, PA. She was born on April 26, 1931, in Chicago, only child of Walter C. and Agnes (Benna) Luczak.
Rosemary divided time between home in Riverside, IL, and Our Lady of Bethlehem Academy (OLB) in La Grange Park, IL during her early childhood. She graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest, IL, Class of 1949. On her CB&Q (Burlington Northern) train commute to Chicago's Loop and Marshall Fields & Co. flagship store, Rosemary met a fellow employee, Richard H. Baum, from Hinsdale.
In 1950, they married and lived a short time in La Grange before settling in Hinsdale, IL. Rosemary became a full-time homemaker and proud mother of the four 'Baum Boys'. From 1952 to 1983, the Baum's lived in the same house on Washington Street.
Beyond her regular involvement with PTA's, Rosemary had a talent for recognizing a community need and used her creativity and passion to solve it and offer it to the community. With a dress-maker mother as a mentor and a passion for all arts, Rosemary handmade denim knapsacks as a precursor to backpacks for early school-aged children; she instituted a "Picture Lady" Art Appreciation Program at Oak School as a way to share her love of art and expose young children to the Fine Arts. Following along her kids' involvement in music, she saw a glaring need for connecting affordable instruments and parents of Hinsdale school district children taking music lessons. Rosemary originated a not-for-profit Seller & Seekers File Exchange for Musical Instruments (a precursor to eBay & Reverb long before the internet) which grew to have an international demand. Her passion for education contributed to her being elected as the first woman to two terms on the District 86 School Board and promptly became Board Secretary. About the time her brood became less dependent, she created Rosemary Baum Interiors. With impeccable taste, use of color, and creative genius, Rosemary helped many clients who all became dear friends renovate, transform, decorate their homes to their historical epoch, including the storied Hallmark home on First Street.
Rosemary and Richard built a home and became summer and vacation residents of Sister Bay (Door County), Wisconsin from 1963 until 1995. Mrs. Baum enjoyed corralling all four boys during these happy times and was active on the Door County Beautification Board and a design consultant for Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Gift Shop; and, when its business expanded and was reconstructed of traditional Swedish architecture—she suggested to Al & Ingert they put goats on its grass roofs.
In 1983, Richard and Rosemary relocated to San Juan Capistrano, CA. Rosemary immediately became active in the neighborhood association in various capacities as well as continuing her business as a talented interior designer. Their 53-year love story suspended with Richard's passing in 2003. Rosemary remained in SJC until 2012. She then moved to Berks County, PA, to be near youngest son, James, and his family until her passing.
Rosemary, in whatever endeavor she engaged, was persistent, principled, energetic, lived her life as a wonderfully spiritual person who espoused the Golden Rule, overcame the effects of undiagnosed Lyme Disease in the 1970's that became physically challenging rheumatoid arthritis for many decades—and never did she complain about this condition. She passed along her outgoing, friendly nature to all of her sons, and her loving marriage and devotion to immediate family was a role model for all who knew her well.
She was passionate about: antiques (treasure hunting), Steiff Teddy Bear collecting, rose gardening, hummingbirds, politics & current events, as well as her husband's favorite sports teams – especially the Chicago (then lovable losers) Cubs and da Bears!
Rosemary is survived by sons: #1: Gregory (Linda G), #2: Richard L (Robin D), #3: William (Karen K.), and #4: James (Michelle P); twelve brilliant grandchildren, preceded by granddaughter, Audrey (2004) and fifteen flourishing great-grandchildren.
There will be a small family service later this year in California. As the daughter-in-law of Harry Neal Baum and Brenda Baum, and as Secretary to the Baum Family Trust during Richard H's tenure as Trustee, Rosemary will join her beloved Richard in the L. Frank Baum Family Plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA.
The Baum Boys would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the members of the nursing and care staff at Keystone Villa at Douglassville, Complete Care at Berkshire Center, and Caring Hospice in Reading, PA for their devotion and compassionate care for Rosemary in her final years and days.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
Services
April 26, 1931 ~ July 10, 2022 (age 91)
Obituary
Rosemary L. Baum passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022, at Berkshire Center in Reading, PA. She was born on April 26, 1931, in Chicago, only child of Walter C. and Agnes (Benna) Luczak.
Rosemary divided time between home in Riverside, IL, and Our Lady of Bethlehem Academy (OLB) in La Grange Park, IL during her early childhood. She graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest, IL, Class of 1949. On her CB&Q (Burlington Northern) train commute to Chicago's Loop and Marshall Fields & Co. flagship store, Rosemary met a fellow employee, Richard H. Baum, from Hinsdale.
In 1950, they married and lived a short time in La Grange before settling in Hinsdale, IL. Rosemary became a full-time homemaker and proud mother of the four 'Baum Boys'. From 1952 to 1983, the Baum's lived in the same house on Washington Street.
Beyond her regular involvement with PTA's, Rosemary had a talent for recognizing a community need and used her creativity and passion to solve it and offer it to the community. With a dress-maker mother as a mentor and a passion for all arts, Rosemary handmade denim knapsacks as a precursor to backpacks for early school-aged children; she instituted a "Picture Lady" Art Appreciation Program at Oak School as a way to share her love of art and expose young children to the Fine Arts. Following along her kids' involvement in music, she saw a glaring need for connecting affordable instruments and parents of Hinsdale school district children taking music lessons. Rosemary originated a not-for-profit Seller & Seekers File Exchange for Musical Instruments (a precursor to eBay & Reverb long before the internet) which grew to have an international demand. Her passion for education contributed to her being elected as the first woman to two terms on the District 86 School Board and promptly became Board Secretary. About the time her brood became less dependent, she created Rosemary Baum Interiors. With impeccable taste, use of color, and creative genius, Rosemary helped many clients who all became dear friends renovate, transform, decorate their homes to their historical epoch, including the storied Hallmark home on First Street.
Rosemary and Richard built a home and became summer and vacation residents of Sister Bay (Door County), Wisconsin from 1963 until 1995. Mrs. Baum enjoyed corralling all four boys during these happy times and was active on the Door County Beautification Board and a design consultant for Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Gift Shop; and, when its business expanded and was reconstructed of traditional Swedish architecture—she suggested to Al & Ingert they put goats on its grass roofs.
In 1983, Richard and Rosemary relocated to San Juan Capistrano, CA. Rosemary immediately became active in the neighborhood association in various capacities as well as continuing her business as a talented interior designer. Their 53-year love story suspended with Richard's passing in 2003. Rosemary remained in SJC until 2012. She then moved to Berks County, PA, to be near youngest son, James, and his family until her passing.
Rosemary, in whatever endeavor she engaged, was persistent, principled, energetic, lived her life as a wonderfully spiritual person who espoused the Golden Rule, overcame the effects of undiagnosed Lyme Disease in the 1970's that became physically challenging rheumatoid arthritis for many decades—and never did she complain about this condition. She passed along her outgoing, friendly nature to all of her sons, and her loving marriage and devotion to immediate family was a role model for all who knew her well.
She was passionate about: antiques (treasure hunting), Steiff Teddy Bear collecting, rose gardening, hummingbirds, politics & current events, as well as her husband's favorite sports teams – especially the Chicago (then lovable losers) Cubs and da Bears!
Rosemary is survived by sons: #1: Gregory (Linda G), #2: Richard L (Robin D), #3: William (Karen K.), and #4: James (Michelle P); twelve brilliant grandchildren, preceded by granddaughter, Audrey (2004) and fifteen flourishing great-grandchildren.
There will be a small family service later this year in California. As the daughter-in-law of Harry Neal Baum and Brenda Baum, and as Secretary to the Baum Family Trust during Richard H's tenure as Trustee, Rosemary will join her beloved Richard in the L. Frank Baum Family Plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA.
The Baum Boys would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the members of the nursing and care staff at Keystone Villa at Douglassville, Complete Care at Berkshire Center, and Caring Hospice in Reading, PA for their devotion and compassionate care for Rosemary in her final years and days.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
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