In Loving Memory of Rosemarie C. Sauermann (Täuber)
October 6, 1932 – June 1, 2025

Rosemarie Sauermann, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, linguist, teacher, and devoted community member, passed away peacefully on June 1st at the age of 92. Her life was marked by courage, wisdom, and grace. She leaves behind a legacy woven through history, language, family, and service.

Born on October 6, 1932, in Munich, Germany, Rosemarie grew up in the heart of the city during one of the most turbulent times in modern history. As a child during World War II, she witnessed firsthand the strength and bravery of her parents, who quietly defied the Nazi regime by helping those in danger. Their home became a place of refuge during a time of fear and oppression, an act of quiet courage that left a lasting impression on Rosemarie from a young age. During the height of the conflict, Rosemarie, her mother and siblings were evacuated to the small town of Rosenheim for their safety.

After the war, she returned to Munich and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1951. Rosemarie was an accomplished swimmer from a young age and found great joy in synchronized swimming, then known as artistic swimming. Her team was invited to demonstrate the sport at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Although she was unable to participate due to college entrance exams, swimming remained one of her lifelong passions. She shared that love with her children and grandchildren, along with her enjoyment of skiing and hiking.

In the fall of 1952, Rosemarie and her sister Irmtraud "Traudi" (Zahradnik) traveled to England to begin their studies at Newnham College, Cambridge University. One of her most vivid and treasured memories was witnessing the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II from the gates of Buckingham Palace in June 1953.

A gifted linguist, Rosemarie later trained at the Dolmetscher-Institut at the University of Munich, where she received her Master's Degree, and became an accomplished simultaneous interpreter, fluent in multiple languages. Her early professional career led her to Geneva, where she worked for the World Council of Churches and later as a translator for American industry leaders involved in Germany's postwar reconstruction under the Marshall Plan.

In 1958, Rosemarie married Gerhard Sauermann, who studied at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Technical University of Munich and earned his Ph.D. in physics. They had caught each other's eye while participating in a coed madrigal choir where a shared love of music and travel brought them together as the choir performed in multiple European cities.  Shortly after the birth of their first daughter in Munich, Rosemarie and Gerhard took a great leap together and moved to the United States, initially settling in Burlington, Massachusetts, where they had two more children. A few years later they moved to Lexington, just outside Boston, where they built a life together for the next 60 years.

Rosemarie was deeply committed to both her community and her professional pursuits. She founded German Language Systems, a business devoted to language instruction and translation, and worked as a simultaneous interpreter for many industrial clients, including research institutes, the U.S. State Department, and the German government. She was a longtime member and Moderator at Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington, where she also played an important role in the creation of the church's Memorial Garden.

Rosemarie will be remembered for her intellectual curiosity, moral courage, fierce independence, and profound devotion to her family and community. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Gerhard; her brother Willy Täuber (Hannelore Täuber) of Munich, their three children, Claudia Wu (Charles Wu), Roland Sauermann (Debra Sauermann), and Monica Bushnell (Steven Bushnell); and her seven cherished grandchildren, Peter Wu, Katie Wu, Elizabeth Wu, Robert Sauermann, Benjamin Bushnell, Marshall Bushnell, and Anita Bushnell. Rosemarie was preceded in death by her father Willy Täuber, mother Wally Täuber, and sister Irmtraud "Traudi" (Zahradnik).

A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall to honor and reflect on her extraordinary journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington, Massachusetts (Minister's Discretionary Fund) or to causes that promote peace, education, or the arts. These were values that Rosemarie held close to her heart.