Rosemary Hummel, age 93, a life-long resident of Chelsea, passed away on July 9, 2021 at Silver Maples of Chelsea, where she resided since 2010. Before relocating to Silver Maples, Rosemary had lived in the home on McKinley Street that her parents, John R. and Agnes M. (Brady) Hummel, purchased in 1921; a home they managed to hold onto throughout the long years of the Depression when so many others were not so lucky.
Rosemary was born April 28, 1928 in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1946. The week following graduation, she began work as a bank teller at Chelsea State Bank, where she remained in various positions for the next 49 years. Illness forced her into retirement one year short of her 50th anniversary year. At the time of her retirement, she was an Assistant Vice President for the bank. She was patient and kind, friendly to those around her, and she always remembered a friendly face.
In addition to her work at the bank, Rosemary was also a life-long and devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, where she also donated her time in parish affairs and finances. In addition to attending Mass on every Sunday and on Holy Days, she was also a member of the choir for many years. Rosemary loved music and played the piano since she was young. When moving to Silver Maples it was one of the few possessions she insisted on taking with her, and she played regularly as she adjusted to her new environment. She also enjoyed reading and doing puzzles.
Throughout her working life, she traveled with friends, visiting most of the major cities on the Eastern Seaboard, and then in the late 60’s and 70’s, she began trips to Britain and major European cities. One of note was her Holy Week trip to Rome and her attendance at Easter Mass on Sunday where Pope Paul celebrated; there was tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Pietà – the Chapel especially was a event that she remembered with awe for years.
Rosemary was a skilled and avid bowler, and along with her sister, Virginia, could be found every Wednesday evening during the winter at Chelsea Lanes competing on the Women’s Bowling League for close to 40 years, where she was known to bowl many 300 games. She was also a very experienced seamstress, having learned the skill from her mother, who made patterns and designed clothing for both Virginia and Rosemary as they were growing up. Her wardrobe reflected her skill, sense of color, and an ability to choose designs that favored her height and lean physique. She always looked perfectly put together.
Rosemary was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Hummel, who died as a young child, her younger brother, John J. “Jack” Hummel of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 1998, and Virginia (Hummel) McClear of Chelsea, in 2000. She is survived by two nieces and one nephew from Virginia’s marriage to Glenn McClear: Mary Lu McClear (Stephen) Chase of Randolph, New Jersey, Michelle McClear of Los Angeles, CA, and Matthew M. (Toni) McClear of Palm Springs, CA; and two nieces from Jack Hummel’s marriage: Donna Hummel Graziose of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Heidi Hummel of Cumberland, Rhode Island. There are also seven great-nieces and great-nephews who come down from the Hummel family line, and one great-great-niece, who is just beginning her life and will turn one year old at the end of next month.
To celebrate a long and well-lived life, Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
