WALLINGFORD - Rosemary C. Propper, 81, died in Wallingford on July 2nd, 2012. She was married for 55 years to Eric Propper who predeceased her in November 2009. Rosemary was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 15, 1931. She spent her early years in Panama and Costa Rica before moving to the United States. She became a citizen of the United States at the age of 16. Rosemary attended Catawba College and graduated with a degree in psychology and sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1952. After graduation she moved to New York City and worked in human Resources at the B. Altman & Co. department store. It was in New York where she met her future husband on a blind date. Married in 1954, the Proppers moved to Wallingford where they became active in their community and raised their family. Mrs. Propper had a passion for community service and she served in multiple capacities for many charities and organizations including: The Girl Scouts of Connecticut, American Red Cross, The Wallingford Garden Club, Wallingford Republicans, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, and The United Way. Rosemary was the first woman to serve as Chairman of the Board of Meriden-Wallingford Hospital (1988-1991) and in 2000 MidState Medical Center honored her with the Crystal Obelisk Award for her many contributions to the hospital through her selfless commitment and genuine love of the community. Mrs. Propper loved traveling the globe with her family and friends. She was particularly fond of a two month trip around the world in 1985. Over the years she visited six continents and claimed her favorite destination was London, England; the roots of her family heritage. Rosemary was also an avid bridge player and her bi-weekly games at the Farms Country Club she would try to never miss. She was a charter member of the Farms Country Club, a member of the Landsdowne Club in London, UK, and a parishioner of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. She is survived by her son and daughter-in law, Eric Brown Propper and Marcy Propper of Darien, CT and her daughter and son-in-law, Katharine A. (Katie) Propper and Scott E. Worrilow of Falmouth, MA, and her grandchildren Eric (Trip) Propper, Mason Propper and Austin Propper all of Darien and Elizabeth Worrilow of Falmouth, MA. Relatives and friends may call on Monday, July 9, 2012 from 4 - 7 PM at the B. C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 10th at 10:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wallingford. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, 35 Pleasant Street, Suite 1E, Meriden, CT 06450 or a charity of one's choice.