Rosemary Lemoine celebrated her 100th birthday at Weatherly Inn on June 12. Family and friends gathered for an intimate and festive party where Rosemary was presented with a birthday greeting from Governor Jay Inslee, showing appreciation for her contribution to others and to her community.
Rosemary was born in Nome, Alaska on June 12, 1914 to parents Rose and Floyd Wheeler. Her father passed away when she was only 2 years of age. He was a mailman who used a dog sled for his deliveries and died after becoming very ill from being caught in a blizzard on his route.
Shortly, after his death, Rosemary and her mother moved to Grapeview, Wash., where she attended grade school and lived on a ranch. Rosemary’s mother remarried and her family grew to include three siblings — a brother and two sisters. As the children got older, they moved into the Seattle and Tacoma area. Rosemary graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma.
Rosemary left the area after high school and went to Los Angeles, where she met her husband Philbert Lemoine. They moved back into the Tacoma area after having children, two of which are still living. Her daughter Helen and son Philip live in western Washington.
Rosemary has had a rich life. She and her husband both moved to Weatherly Inn in Tacoma almost seven years ago. Her husband lived to be 103, and the couple shared 79 happy years together. Their favorite pastime was camping. They especially enjoyed desert camping.
Rosemary always loved the outdoors. She also has enjoyed canning, sewing, painting, and various artistic endeavors. She was very active in the community and spent many years volunteering with Girl Scouts and working with children who have mental or physical disabilities.
When family was asked about her longevity, family members point to the fact that she has always been full of life and very active.

Amy Taylor, who wrote this article,

is the community outreach coordinator for Weatherly Inn.