Mary Elizabeth Rothermich
In Loving Memory of Mary Elizabeth Rothermich
April 27, 1956 – September 3, 2019
Mary Beth was born 63 years ago in St. Louis Missouri to Shirley and John Rothermich and died peacefully on Tuesday September 3, 2019 at St. Anthony’s deGreef Hospice House.
Mary Beth’s life reflected the joy she gave and the joy she received. Mary Beth lifted up her life in prayer and thanksgiving each day of her life. Mary Beth’s deep relationship with God was demonstrated in her love of teaching, her love of song, and her love of friendship. Mary Beth’s intellect and compassion allowed her to bring out the best in each student lucky enough to have her as their teacher yet Mary Beth also possessed the humility and curiosity to always learn from others, regardless of their place in life. Mary Beth embraced all family, friends, students, and colleagues in her beautiful and meaningful ways that all will carry forward until we meet again.
Mary Beth was the daughter of the late John and Shirley Rothermich (née Hummel) and sister of Patricia Rothermich Columb, Mark (Maren) Arkanum, John (Lori) Rothermich, Gregory (Sue) Rothermich, Jeanne Rothermich, and Christopher (Jackie) Rothermich. Mary Beth was eldest of her siblings. Besides being a daughter and sister, Mary Beth was a loving niece, sister-in law, aunt, great aunt, cousin, and friend.
Mary Beth attended St. Ferdinand elementary school, Incarnate Word Academy, and St. Louis University. Mary Beth received a B.S. in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree Educational Processes. She began her long and distinguished teaching career at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, followed by work at St. Louis University before settling into her home-away-from-home at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School where she taught for 32 years.
During Mary Beth’s career at Villa she taught not only Chemistry but other science courses as well. Mary Beth was well known, and loved, for her ability to not only inspire her students but to partner with each those students to discover the path to understanding that worked best for them. Mary Beth absolutely loved watching her students learn and grow and become amazing young women. .
Mary Beth was also well-known for her love of reading, music, and conversation, Mary enjoyed good times and lively discussions with friends and family. She generously gave her time and talent as a member of the St. Francis Xavier College Church choir and numerous church ministries for over 30 years, and in the last days of her life enjoyed the impromptu concert her fellow choir members brought to her bedside at St. Luke’s Hospital.
A faithful Catholic throughout her life, her Christian philosophy sustained all her life. In her last illness, she amazed everyone around her with her faith-filled acceptance of her impending death and with the joy she showed in being able to meet one last time with so many of the people who touched her during their lives and whose lives Mary Beth touched in so many meaningful ways.
Treasured by her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many friends, Mary Beth will be greatly missed. She loved thoroughly and unconditionally all those who walked with her on her journey.
A gathering of family and friends followed by a memorial mass will take place on Monday September 9th at St. Francis Xavier College Church. The gathering begins at 5:00pm. The memorial mass will begin at 6:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to:
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School
801 S. Spoede Road
Frontenac, MO 63131
Attention: Advancement Office
In Memory of: Mary Beth Rothermich
Mary taught through her last moments on earth. She taught us how to die. May you rest in the comfort of Jesus and your namesake, Mary,His mother.
Mary Beth was my 2nd best friend while living in Florissant. I told her once I was contemplating being a nun. That afternoon I snuck cookies out of the house to give everyone. When Mary Beth found out I didnt ask 1st, she laughed and told me I ought to think of a different direction. I’ll never forget that story. I’ll forever remember her with love and compassion. Lovingly, Susan Linhoff Asadorian
Mary Beth, thank you for your teaching and your commitment to the charism of the Sacred Heart. Please help us now with your intercession! Your friend and colleague, John
PS: Praying for your family!
I was a friend and colleague of Mary Beth’s father, John, a most respected person. He spoke often and lovingly of Mary Beth. I was sad to see the death notice but am happy for a release and a reunion.
Prayers for peace and comfort for Mary Beth’s family. Her presence in our community was a gift.
Rachel Kondro
Villa Duchesne faculty
I remember being on and working on a retreat program with Mary Beth in our early twenties. I was always amazed by her faith then, and while being in the choir with her at College Church. She will continue to be an example for me on how to live, and when the time comes, how to die.
Via con Dios my friend. I can’t wait until I see you again.
I rocked Mary Beth when she was a baby and watched her grow. Her grandparents and my parents, Lawrence & Alma Blaesing, were best friends. Her father, Jack, and I dated in high school; loved those dances at St. Louis U High. Both Jack and I attended St. Louis U where he found the Shirley he was meant to marry and I met my wonderful Charles Wilson. As married couples, we were close friends for years until a job opportunity took the Rothermich family East. Both Jack and I lost our first spouses suddenly and were fortunate in meeting and marrying our special new partners, both widowed people. Jack was brilliant and unassuming. Mary Beth certainly followed in her Father’s footsteps. I had thought about trying to connect with her. Since my life has been filled with marriages, children, grandchildren, teaching, and endless caregiving for loved ones, this never happened. I do intend to attend Mary Beth’s celebration of life on Mon. and hopefully find Jack’s siblings, Arnold and Alice and other Rothermich children. Mary Beth, you are now reaping the reward of a life well spent in service and dedication to Christ and his Mother and to the hundreds of students you so lovingly taught. (Being a retired teacher, I know.) Your final teaching assignment has been completed…..You taught many how to die with peace and gratitude and dignity. Blessings, Shirley (Blaesing) Wilson Koenig
You’ll forever remain in many hearts and memories. Rest well, my friend. …