The $878 million Educational Systems Federal Credit Union inGreenbelt, Md., said Tuesday that its board of directors chair,Rosemary Brinkley, passed away Oct. 21.

A member of the Greenbelt, Md.-based credit union for more than50 years, she served for 46 years on the board of directors. Duringher service, Brinkley held the offices of treasurer, vice chair andchair for the past 20 years.

Under her leadership on the board, Educational Systems FCU grew from serving several thousandmembers in one Maryland county to more than 87,000 members in sevencounties throughout the state.

“Rosemary always led with her mantra of 'We can do better.' Shewas a true champion of education and credit unions,” Chris Conway,president/CEO of Educational Systems FCU, said. “Our credit unionfamily is deeply saddened by her passing.”

Brinkley received her undergraduate degree from HamptonUniversity and her master's degree from New York University.

During her 33-year career in education, she was an educator withCharles County Public Schools and later became an educator andadministrator in Prince George's County Public Schools. As aneducator, Brinkley enjoyed teaching business classes and was alife-long supporter of financial education.

The Stewart Funeral Home in Washington, stewartfuneralhome.com,is handling the visitation hours and funeral services, which willbe held Thursday and Friday, respectively.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the NineteenthStreet Baptist Church-John Brinkley Golf Tournament or to HamptonUniversity.