Professor Emerita Rosemary D. Weller passes away

Dr. Rosemary Doheny Weller, a professor emerita in what is now the Communication Studies program in the School of Civic Leadership, Business, and Social Change, passed away on February 11. She was 85 years old. 

Dr. Weller joined the Gallaudet faculty in the late 1960s, and taught for over 40 years. She taught introductory and major courses, including Public Presentations, Interpersonal Communication, and Parliamentary Procedure. She was also active in faculty governance, and was long-time parliamentarian of the University Faculty. Earlier in her career, she was a high school teacher and debate coach; one of her teams won the Indiana state debate championship.

In retirement, Dr. Weller was active in the Tantallon Citizens Association and the Tanta-Cove Garden Club in Fort Washington, Maryland, and edited the community newsletter for 19 years. She served as an usher at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. for almost 20 years.

Dr. Weller is survived by her son Michael Weller, daughter-in-law Sara Beth Levin Weller, granddaughter Ilana Weller; two brothers, Frank P. Doheny, Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky and Edward J. Doheny of Washington, D.C.; and two nephews, Brian C. Doheny and F. Patrick Doheny of Louisville, Kentucky. Her husband of 54 years, Joseph F. Weller, predeceased her in 2020.

Friends may pay their respects to Dr. Weller’s family tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland. A funeral Mass will be held tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland, with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland.

The family suggests donations to Arena Stage or the charity of one’s choice.