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Palm Beach Gardens— Rosemarie Marguerite Gerstenberger (nee Schuster) gracefully departed from this world on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the age of 93, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Born on January 18, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the beloved wife of the late Erwin Lee Gerstenberger, with whom she raised two beautiful children and shared a 53-year-long loving marriage until his passing in 2007.

A woman of profound intellect and compassion, Rosemarie pursued her education with fervor, earning a Master’s in Education from Western Reserve University. She dedicated herself to shaping young minds as a teacher in Cleveland, Ohio where she was awarded Teacher of the Year, and later in Greenville, South Carolina where she continued her impactful work in education.

Rosemarie possessed an inherent connection with nature, her heart deeply intertwined with the beauty of the earth. She was a master gardener, her hands weaving magic among blossoms, birds, and butterflies. An ardent equestrian, she found solace and joy in the company of horses, becoming a cherished member of various equestrian communities including the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club, Greenville County Hounds, Tryon Hounds, and Old Tryon Foot Beagles.

Yet, beyond her earthly pursuits, Rosemarie’s life was anchored in her unwavering faith. She found solace and strength in her relationship with God, as a vibrant member of St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Greenville, South Carolina, and an active member and devoted Daughter of the King at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Throughout her extraordinary life, Rosemarie touched countless hearts with her warmth, wisdom, passion for knowledge, unwavering kindness, and philanthropic endeavors. A dedicated mother, she leaves behind her loving daughter, Julie Elise Holzberger, along with her husband Frederick, her son, Paul John II, and his wife Bettina. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Daniel and d’Nicole Holzberger, Dale (Caitlyn) Gerstenberger, Sabrina Lambrechts, her great-granddaughter Katherine Holzberger, and her sweet grand-dog, Benji, who shared a love unequaled.

In addition to her immediate family, Rosemarie leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed by her extended family and the countless friends who adored her. Preceding her in death are her parents, Josephine and Stephen Schuster, her brothers, Richard and Frederick, and her grandson, Lee Gerstenberger.

As we say farewell to Rosemarie here on earth, may her spirit soar peacefully in heaven among the angels, and the flowers and fields she so dearly cherished, forever remembered for her boundless love, gentle spirit, and steadfast faith.

The Celebration of her life will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in the Peace Chapel that Rosemarie so loved, located at 3395 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410. The family has requested her life be honored through donations in her name to Hearts of Palm Center, a mission of St. Mark’s serving the Palm Beaches: https://stmarkspbg.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/77fe52d5-f4af-4bfd-aefd-894b6c3eb618

1. Choose One-Time Donation.
2. Click “Fund” and select “MEMORIAL GIFT” under the drop-down menu.
3. Add the amount you wish to donate.
4. In the “Memo” line include “HOPC Capital Building Campaign in memory of Rosemarie Gerstenberger.”

Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral Home
North Palm Beach, FL