Rose Marie Bowmaster

Rose Marie Eason Bowmaster, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 19, 1933, Rose Marie was the daughter of John Eason and Wilhelmina Parks Eason. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur “Bob” Bowmaster; her son, Alan Bowmaster; and her siblings, John Eason Jr., Robert Eason, Elizabeth “Betty” Otter, Josephine Hepler, Joseph Eason, and Theodore Eason.

Rose Marie’s greatest joy was her family. As a young Catholic mother, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her four children: Janet Van Riper, Robin Datz, William Bowmaster, and her late son Alan. She was a loving and involved mother who could always be counted on, serving as a Den Mother, Brownie leader, and active member of the Catholic Daughters, where she served as Grand Regent. Her commitment extended beyond her own family as well; she founded and moderated the Hillsmere Teens’ Club for approximately five years, creating a place for young people in her community to gather and connect.

Her love of children and learning led her to begin her career as a teacher at Saint Mary’s Elementary School in Annapolis during the 1960s, where she taught kindergarten and third grade. After raising her family, Rose Marie continued to challenge herself and build a life of her own, proving that new beginnings could happen at any age. She worked in the accounting department at the Evening Capital in Annapolis and later attended law school in her 50s, going on to a successful career as a paralegal specializing in title work and serving as a settlement officer.

Retirement was never a reason for Rose Marie to slow down. After retiring in her 70s, she continued working part time, remained a notary public well into her 90s, and dedicated herself to volunteering in her community. In her senior community, she created and organized countless events that brought people together, from Bingo nights and movie nights to coloring clubs, birthday celebrations, and so much more. She had a special gift for seeing a need, finding a solution, and making things happen.

Rose Marie was known for her quick wit, dry sense of humor, generosity, and determination. She had a stubborn streak — but it came from a place of caring, persistence, and an unwavering desire to solve problems and help others. She was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a woman who lived each chapter of her life with curiosity and purpose.

She embraced every role she held: devoted wife, mother, teacher, career woman, volunteer, organizer, and friend. Rose Marie was a woman ahead of her time — independent, capable, and always ready to take on whatever came next.

She is survived by her children, Janet Van Riper, Robin Datz, and William Bowmaster; her grandchildren; and her great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward her memory, her strength, her humor, and the love she gave so freely. Contributions in her memory to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122 will be appreciated by the family.