— from Sue Kimball —
Rosemary Kimball, died October 12, 2016, in Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA. Born Rosemary Gerwig, in Brooklyn, New York December 22, 1922, she grew up with her sister Adelaide in Evanston, Illinois. Rosemary studied art at Denison University in Granville, OH, then at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL. Upon graduation, Rosemary was hired immediately as the Academy’s youngest full-time faculty member to teach composition, drawing, design, and perspective.
In 1944, Rosemary met John Kimball a pilot for the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific during World War II. They married that same year. After the war, John and Rosemary traveled and lived in Europe and Asia. She was an avid museum goer and continued her work as teacher and artist throughout her long life. Returning from their travels, John and Rosemary raised 3 children, Jay, Merit, and Andy in the Chicago area and, later, in Washington, DC.
Rosemary was an avid gardener and an accomplished artist who loved capturing her travels and her observations of the world in extraordinary sketches and paintings. Joseph von Sternberg, the great Austrian film director and minister of culture, himself a noted painter and sculptor, admired her drawings. “She has,” he said, “what I call a ‘seeing pen.’ She sketches so quickly, without seeming to look at the paper, and she conveys an amazing sense of uninhibited creativity.” In 1978 Rosemary and John moved to Brussels where Rosemary studied printmaking with Claude Lyr at the Beaux Arts Academy. On returning to their home in Bethesda, Rosemary became a member of the Washington Printmakers Gallery where she had several solo shows over the years.
After her daughter, Merit, passed away in 1998, Rosemary and John moved to the San Juan Islands in Washington State. Her beloved John passed away in 2005. Rosemary continued her art, her teaching, and her gardening on Orcas. She has exhibited and sold her work as a frequent exhibitor at Orcas Center.
She was very proud of her children and two granddaughters who were the center of her life. Rosemary is survived by her two sons; Jay, who lives with his wife, Sue, on Orcas Island; and Andy, who lives in Fairfax, CA with his wife, Janet, and their two children, Danielle and Gabrielle.
Rosemary was 93 years old when she passed away in her garden, doing what she loved – creating beauty.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
The Funhouse Commons, 30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound, WA 98245
A rich life well lived.
Rosemary was a woman of style, accomplishment and wit. She enriched my life and I am so grateful to have so many examples of her wonderful art to remember her by. To Jay and Sue, thank you for bringing her to Orcas.
With appreciation,
Martha Farish
What more can one say about the gain to the universe, the circles in which Rosemary travelled and shared her light, sparkling with wit, depth, humor, magical irrevererance , and JOY! My heart, many hearts, are so much richer, to have known Rosemary. My condolences to Jay, Sue, her family, and children; How fortunate you are to be “related”. We will carry her in our hearts. So many love her. Blessings Rosemary, your gifts, your light, your heart, your Glee! Well done my friend. Well done!!!
A beautiful life lived well. So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, Jay and Sue. I know how special she was and how much she’ll be missed.
Spending time with Rosemary for me was like entering a unique world fostered by her artistic vision, benevolence, wit, sharp intelligence and humor. She was the kindest of mentors, and I followed her animated lead around her studio while enjoying her skillful guidance. My life has been greatly enriched by her friendship; I miss her caring presence and shall always treasure her spirit and generosity.
How sad to hear of Rosemary’s passing. It was a blessing to know her, even briefly as I did, and a gift to the life drawing group to have her there working with us. I marveled at her energy and inspiration while she worked diligently at drawing her expressively gestural figures in ink from life. She will be greatly missed.
I loved Rosemary as a customer she was in my mind the most modern dressed lady of her age on our island, loved working with her.
So blessed to have not only have known Rosemary but fortunate to have been able to draw side by side with her.
Then how wonderful seeing her with her friends on “Martini Thursdays”. What energy! What life! Jay & Sue I’m so sorry for your loss, she was a special lady. We miss her smiling face already.
Lori Fast