Rosemary Musgrave Bothwell, lovingly known as "Rosie," passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, in Danville, Pennsylvania, at the age of 95. Born on May 27, 1930, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Arthur and Helen Green Musgrave, Rosie lived a remarkable life filled with creativity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Rosie’s artistic journey began with her studies at Colorado College, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She further honed her craft at the Art Students League in New York City under the tutelage of renowned social realist painters George Grosz and Ben Shahn. It was during this time that she met her husband, James Bothwell. Together they built a life rooted in love and shared values until his passing.

A gifted artist with an extraordinary vision, Rosie saw beauty in everything around her. Her artwork reflected this perspective and served as a testament to her unique ability to capture the essence of life. Beyond her artistic talents, Rosie was a passionate social activist whose dedication to advocating for the disenfranchised left an indelible mark on those who knew her. She worked tirelessly to elevate awareness of social injustices and fought for equal rights throughout her life.

Rosie’s activism was not confined to words; it was woven into the fabric of her daily life. When her children were young, they accompanied her to weekly peace vigils, anti-war demonstrations, and protests championing equality. She also visited nursing homes to paint portraits of residents who had no visitors—a gesture that exemplified her boundless empathy and desire to connect with others.

For over fifty years, Rosie was a devoted member of the Abington Friends Meeting (Quaker), where she found spiritual fulfillment and community. One of her most profound contributions was researching and identifying the names of several hundred unnamed slaves buried in a mass grave at the Abington Friends Meeting cemetery in Abington, Pennsylvania. This labor of love culminated in the establishment of a reparation fund for descendants of those enslaved individuals—a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Rosie’s vibrant personality was larger than life. Her immense heart embraced everyone she encountered—friends and strangers alike—and she often challenged societal norms with a refreshing candor that left an unforgettable impression. Though she rarely followed rules and occasionally astonished others with her boldness, Rosie’s intentions were always rooted in kindness and authenticity.

She is survived by her son Arthur Bothwell; daughter Christina Bothwell; son-in-law Robert Bender; and grandchildren Sophia Bender, Ellis Bender, and Violet Bender. She is predeceased by her beloved husband James Bothwell; parents Arthur and Helen Musgrave; brother Bill Musgrave; and sisters Barbara Tuthill and Nancy McKay.

Rosie’s memory will live on through her family, friends, art, activism, and the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

May Rosie’s legacy serve as a reminder of the power of compassion, creativity, and courage in making the world a better place for all. A Memorial Gathering will be held on March 7, 2026, from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Beth Israel Synagogue 144 East 4th Street. Allen Funeral Home Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Streets, Bloomsburg, is honored to be serving the Bothwell family.