Rosemary Hostetler, a treasured resident of Bellingham and member of the League of Women Voters, passed away at the age of 100 years on September 20, 2025. Our condolences to her family and friends.
Rosemary’s friends in Bellingham will likely remember some thought-provoking conversations they had with her or a time that they shared a laugh together. She was passionate about education, participation in democracy and empowering others.
Rosemary had been very active in the LaPorte, Indiana, LWV. Rosemary was also president of the LaPorte School Board and hosted a local radio program where she interviewed women leaders in the community prior to moving to Whatcom County. In Bellingham she was engaged in the community by volunteering at Maple Alley’s meals for homeless residents, working to promote women’s rights through the AAUW and through her work with the League to promote voting and educate the public about issues.
She served the LWV of Bellingham/Whatcom County League as Co-President for two years and for several other years as a member of the Board of Directors. In 2015 Rosemary was honored as a 50-year member of the LWV.
Her family has encouraged friends to contribute to the League of Women Voters Education Fund in Rosemary’s memory as she was passionate about public education and the educational programs offered by the League. Learn more here.
