Rosemary Claire Janssen Orphys

Rosemary Claire Janssen Orphys passed away on Saturday, November 9 at the age of 99. She was born in 1925 in New Orleans to Edwin John Janssen and Doris Gleber Janssen. After graduating from Louse S. McGehee College Preparatory School she attended Newcomb College, receiving a degree in chemistry in 1945. She subsequently enrolled in Colombia University from which she obtained a masters degree. After graduating from Colombia, she worked as a chemist at Stanford University hospital in California and later at Ochsner Clinic. Rosemary taught at Rugby Academy in New Orleans and participated in Republican politics, helping found the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women and attending the Inaugural Ball for Dwight D. Eisenhower's re-election. After marrying and raising her children she returned to teaching, worked at the Jefferson Parish Library, and served as a volunteer at East Jefferson General Hospital. Rosemary is survived by her daughter, Catherine Orphys Wagner; sons, Henry Albert Orphys and Edwin John Orphys; grandchildren, Eric Janssen Orphys, Matthew Graham Wagner, Eleanor Claire Wagner and Corinne Sarah Wagner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Edward Orphys; her parents, Edwin John Janssen and Doris Gleber Janssen; and sister, Elizabeth Janssen Holbrook. The family would like to give special thanks to David D’Aquin, who provided transportation to Rosemary during the last years of her life when she was unable to drive, and Lorraine Genovese, who’s regular visits to Rosemary in her assisted living home brightened her days. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. The family asks you to consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Rosemary’s name. To view and share the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.