Rosemary (Markowski) Kemmer, 85, of Macungie, passed away April 12, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Frank J. and Helen (Sadowski) Markowski. She was married to the late Joseph Thomas Kemmer, Sr and mother of Cynthia, Valerie, and Joseph.

A graduate of Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Rosemary devoted 25 years to the nursing profession, serving at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart, in private duty, and at Moser Nursing Home, from which she retired in 2005. Her career was defined by skill, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to those in her care.

Beyond her professional life, Rosemary was a founding member of the Ancient Oaks Women’s Association, a member of the Sacred Heart Private Duty Nurses Association, and an enthusiastic participant in activities at Lehigh Commons.

She will be fondly remembered laughing in the beach sun with a book in her hand, wearing beads from her grandchildren around her neck, and enjoying her beloved porch with an iced beverage on the coffee table in front of her.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Kemmer) Wirtz, wife of Wayne Wirtz, Valerie (Kemmer) Schantz, wife of Brett Schantz, and Colonel (Ret) Joseph Thomas Kemmer, Jr. and wife Sarah; grandchildren, Claire, Michael, Tyler and wife Victoria, Mary Frances, Lorelei; and great-grandchildren, Caleb and Ava; brother, Frank J. Markowski, Jr.; and sisters, Cecelia Lewis, Nancy Stem, and Dona Boblitz.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery® program. The program provides transportation to treatment for people facing cancer who would otherwise not be able to get there.

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