To see her is to love her, and love but her for ever;
for nature made her what she is, and never made another!
—Robert Burns
Obituary
Dr. Rosemary “Rosie” Versteegen was a scientist, community leader, philanthropist, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose intelligence, generosity, and determination touched people and institutions in Garrett County and far beyond.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1948 to Jean and George Roberts, Rosie grew up in a science-focused home, where her interest in scientific research began early. She studied biochemistry at the University of Glasgow, earning her undergraduate degree in 1970 and her Ph.D. in 1974. Her doctoral research focused on enzyme kinetics, including the question of why plant tissue turns brown when it is bruised.
Her scientific training continued at the Medical Research Council's Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Cambridge University, where she spent several years in intensive research. She then came to the United States as a fellow at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Rosie eventually joined the young biotechnology company Life Technologies, where she spent more than 20 years. Her work spanned manufacturing, regulatory affairs, new business development and strategic planning. She played a pivotal role in the company's efforts to obtain FDA approval for the first diagnostic test using synthetic nucleic acid probes to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common causes of cervical cancer. Rosie was especially proud of this work because of its potential to protect young people and save lives.
At Life Technologies, Rosie was also the only woman in senior management, a position she held at a time when women in scientific and corporate leadership were still uncommon. Her accomplishments reflected not only her scientific ability, but also her determination to make her voice heard in a demanding field.
Later, Rosie became one of the co-founders and Chief Executive Officer of the International Serum Industry Association, an organization dedicated to promoting standards of excellence and ethics in the collection and use of animal serum and animal-derived products. Her expertise made her a trusted resource for government agencies and organizations around the world, which sought her advice on serum collection, standards, and use. Her work helped advance the safety and quality of materials essential to biomedical research and vaccine development.
For someone whose professional life took her around the world, Rosie found a place to put down roots much closer to home.
Rosie and her husband, Piet Versteegen, began spending time at Deep Creek Lake in the 1990s and eventually made Garrett County their home. Here, she brought the same energy and commitment to her community that she had brought to her scientific career.
She served as chair of the McHenry Highland Festival and helped establish its Burns Supper. She was involved in creating the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival and served as its first chair. She volunteered with the Wisp Resort Mountain Hosts/Courtesy Patrol and supported numerous local events and organizations. Her contributions to Garrett County tourism were recognized when she was named an Honorary Golden Ambassador of Autumn Glory in 2013.
Education became another important part of Rosie's life in Garrett County. She and Piet were generous supporters of Garrett College, where Rosie helped advance opportunities for students and strengthen programs in science and the arts. She and a colleague co-chaired the College's STEM campaign, which ultimately grew into a $2.5 million effort supporting the Daniel E. Offutt III STEM Center. Rosie and Piet also supported the College's Performing Arts Center and provided funding for a wet classroom in memory of her younger sister, Margaret Brock.
Rosie's commitment to Garrett College continued for many years. She served on the Garrett College Foundation Board and ultimately became its chair, bringing her experience, energy and belief in the importance of education to the College and its students.
Her generosity extended to other organizations as well. Rosie and Piet supported the Dove Center and its fundraising efforts, including the Mountain Maryland Dragon Boat Festival and Festival of Trees, which support the Center's work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
But Rosie's impact cannot be measured simply by the organizations she served or the causes she supported. She was a person people could count on. She listened, encouraged, and connected people and ideas. She shared her knowledge and experience freely and stood behind people she believed in. She had the ability to see what could be accomplished and the determination to help make it happen.
That same spirit carried into her personal life. That was Rosie: science on one side, community on the other, and somehow enough energy in between to fit in a round of golf.
Rosie loved the outdoors and the active life Garrett County offered. She skied, golfed, boated, swam, and traveled the world. She loved to cook and entertain and treasured time with family and friends. Her life in Garrett County became rich with family, friendships, community, and the many relationships she formed along the way.
Rosie was passionate about Pilates and believed strongly in its benefits for both physical and mental well-being. She encouraged the people around her to experience it too, bringing friends along and introducing others to something that had become important to her own life. The Pilates community gave Rosie not only a way to stay active and centered, but also many wonderful friendships.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and George Roberts, and her younger sisters, Jennifer and Margaret. Rosie is survived by her husband, Piet, her children, Payter, Jami, and Derek, and her grandchildren, Lela, Audrey, Thaddeus, Sarina, Jay, Claudia, Devin, Colin, and Aiden. She is also survived by her nieces, Anna and Helen, and nephews, Stewart and Ewan, as well as many friends and members of her extended community who became part of her life.
Rosie's life crossed continents and disciplines. She built a remarkable career in science and biotechnology, but she also built a life rooted in people. She brought her knowledge, energy, and generosity to the places and organizations she cared about, always with a genuine interest in helping others succeed.
She was a force—strong, capable, and determined—but she was also deeply supportive and kind. She made people feel that their ideas mattered, that their work mattered and, most importantly, that they mattered.
Over the years, Rosie built deep roots in Garrett County. Her legacy lives on in the people she supported, the institutions she strengthened, the opportunities she helped create, and the impact she made along the way.
Timeline
A Landmark Achievement in Molecular Diagnostics
During her years at Life Technologies, Rosie played a pivotal role in the company's efforts to obtain FDA approval for the first diagnostic test using synthetic nucleic-acid probes to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the leading causes of cervical cancer.
It was work she was especially proud of because of its potential to protect young people and save lives. Her accomplishments also placed her in an unusual
It was the beginning of another important chapter in Rosie's life—one in which she brought the same energy and commitment to her new community that she had brought to science.
She also volunteered with the Wisp Resort Mountain Hosts/Courtesy Patrol, combining her love of the outdoors with her enjoyment of helping others.
ISIA worked to promote high standards of quality, ethics, traceability and safety in materials used in biomedical research, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and diagnostics. Rosie became a trusted resource for organizations and government agencies around the world.
Rosie served as a past board member of Oakland Golf Club, combining her love of golf with her commitment to being involved in the community.
She continued to lend her time, knowledge, resources and enthusiasm to organizations and people throughout Garrett County.
The Versteegens also provided funding for a wet classroom in memory of Rosie's younger sister, Margaret Brock.
Gallery
Remembering Rosie
Whether you knew her for decades or simply crossed paths with her along the way, your memories are part of the story of her life. Share what you remember, what you admired, or simply what made Rosie special to you.
This is a place for all of us to remember her together.
I am greatly saddened by her leaving us.
.
Never a dull moment, giggles all around the world. We disagreed at times but there was always a compromise.
Rosie was remembered by everyone she met. She once came with me to a jewellers in Wales to talk about having an opal set, a gorgeous stone that Piet had bought for her some years ago, we discussed the setting and then over various trips together we transferred ideas and stone until eventually, the final piece was ready and it was indeed glorious. Each time I go to that shop they ask me about my Glaswegian/American friend.
Piet and Rosie were incredibly kind to me and my time spent with them at their home is one of my fondest. Out on the boat, chasing pumpkins, entertaining their friends, it was wonderful for me to be accepted into their family even for a short time.
The kindness that Piet and Rosie extended to me will never be forgotten, poor Piet being dragged around the world for serum industry events meant we got to see a lot of him as well, he became as much of the serum family as anyone.
Her death leaves a gap in my world. Our last conversation was about the fun we would have together when I next came over to the US. My thoughts are with Piet and the family.
Piet, when I find the images that you took of that lovely day we had out on this boat I will send them to you. That was such a lovely autumn day.
I am very thankful to have known her, and am praying for Christ's comfort for her family.
In my thoughts tonight, I miss her.
Todd Copley
Piet and Rosie stood up with us at our wedding in 2000 and remained fast friends forever. No better friend and certainly one of the best friends to Garret County you could ask for
We will miss her terribly
We will love her forever
Thoughts and prayers go out to you all and all who knew her. She was indeed special.
Over the years, our professional relationship grew into a friendship that I will always treasure. My husband Paul and I have such wonderful memories of visiting Rosie and Piet at their beautiful home. We were so warmly welcomed, and I will always remember the wonderful conversations, laughter, and warmth we shared. I will never forget Rosie’s laugh or her wonderful accent.
Rosie was kind, brilliant, compassionate, and genuine. I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared in her vision and to have had the opportunity to learn from her. I only wish I could have had one more conversation with her, one more chance to hear her thoughts and discover something new from her.
While I am deeply saddened by losing Rosie, I feel incredibly grateful for the years I had with her and for the lasting impact she had on my life.
We will miss you, Rosie. You will be missed deeply and forever remembered. ❤️
She and her family graciously welcomed us into their travel groups, introduced us to their friends, and hosted us on numerous occasions in their magnificent lakefront home. Her dinner parties were simply the best—wonderful gatherings filled with good food, good conversation, laughter, and friendship.
Rosie saw her life as the fulfillment of the American Dream. She was blessed with abundant talents, and she shared those talents generously in so many ways—to help her family, her friends, her community, and her business associates.
She touched the lives of so many people, including ours. We were fortunate to know her, to travel with her, and to call her our friend.
She will be greatly missed.
Family tree
Tribute to Rosie
This will be a time to remember Rosie, share stories, reconnect with old friends, and spend time with the many people whose lives she touched. There will be no formal program—just an opportunity to gather, talk, laugh, remember and celebrate Rosie together.
This is an open house, so come for 10 minutes or stay for the whole three hours—whatever feels right. Stop by to share a memory, offer a hug, visit with friends, or simply spend a little time with others who loved Rosie.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate her life, the community she became such an important part of, and the lasting legacy she leaves with all of us.
Swanton, MD 21561, USA
Donate
In keeping with Rosie's lifelong commitment to her community and to supporting others, the family welcomes donations in her memory to the Dove Center of Garrett County. The Dove Center provides safety, advocacy, counseling and other essential services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. It was an organization Rosie cared about and supported during her years in Garrett County.
Your gift, in whatever form, in Rosie's memory will help carry forward work that makes a meaningful difference in the community she loved.
www.gcdovecenter.org/ways-to-give
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