Rosemarie Ackerman, 86, of Allentown, died Nov. 25, 2021. She was the loving wife of the late Rudy S. Ackerman. Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Nello and Dahlia (Galli) Ercolani.

Fashion and art played a major role in her life and most will remember her as having an elegant style. She was influenced by her mother and sewed clothing for herself and her two young daughters. She later started to design clothing and in the 1980s, studied at Scuola di Taglio de Lazzari in Florence, Italy, where she learned their specific method of pattern drafting.

She worked at The Baum School of Art from 1974 until she retired in 2011. In 1985, she became the director of special events and then from 2003 until her retirement, she was the school’s development director.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in arts administration from Moravian College. In her later years, she enjoyed knitting and spending time with her fellow knitters and her family.

She is survived by daughters, Sally King, Ann and her husband, John Lalik; a brother, Nick Ercolani and his wife, Joceline Lega; grandchildren, Alexander Lalik, Nicholas Lalik, Matthew King and Maria King.

Contributions may be made to Phoebe Ministries, Allentown at www.phoebe.org/giving or The Baum School of Art.

A funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown. A calling hour will be held 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the church.

Arrangements were made by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.