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Obituary: Mary E. Gemming

Posted on October 2, 2008 by Staff

Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Gemming, 75, passed away at Chapel Hill Rehabilitation Center on September 18, 2008 surrounded by her family. Born December 27, 1932 in Glen Cove, NY to Ruth Blackburn Prinz and Alexander H. Prinz, she attended Friends Seminary in New York City where her father was a principal. She graduated from Wellesley College in 1954. While at Wellesley, she spent a year in Germany teaching English on a Fulbright scholarship.

In 1957, Betsy married Klaus Gemming, a German immigrant, with whom she had two daughters, both of whom they raised in Brooklyn, NY and New Haven, CT. Betsy authored numerous books for young people, was an editor and translator, and assisted Klaus, a freelance book designer, for many years. Her husband Klaus died in 2004.

Betsy is survived by her daughters, Marianne Jones (Andrew) of Chapel Hill and Christina Chase (Michael) of Derwood, Maryland; five grandchildren, Even, Ashlan and Brian Jones, and Laura and Hannah Chase; special “sister” Anne Moore of Chapel Hill; and wonderful Carrboro neighbors, friends and relatives.

The family wishes to extend deepest thanks to Dr. Kathy Yu, Dr. N David Hayes and Sue Hayden of the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, and the staff of Chapel Hill Rehabilitation Center who could not have been more compassionate and provided Betsy with excellent care.

In accordance with her wishes, a family gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be sent to Friends of Orange County DSS, c/o Pat Garavaglia, Balloons and Tunes, 208 W. Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510. Please indicate for Foster Children’s Christmas Program.

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