As a young woman, Rosemary Frankel Furman studied literature and sought adventure.

When her own daughters were grown, Furman earned a degree in law and defended day laborers and young women seeking abortions.

``My mother was always ahead of her time,'' said daughter Katherine Furman Pasik. ``She was elegant, accomplished, strong. She was a very unique person.''

A patron of the arts and a local philanthropist, Furman died Monday after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 72.

BIG DREAMS

She was born in New York City, but moved to Miami Beach with her family as a teenager.

After graduating from Miami Beach Senior High, she began her undergraduate studies at the University of Miami.

It was in the school library that she met Richard Furman, a young accountant who won her heart.

The two began dating, but Rosemary had big dreams for herself. She returned to New York City to attend Barnard, the prestigious liberal arts college for women. She and Richard kept a long-distance relationship, but after graduating in 1958, Rosemary returned to Miami and the couple married.

She went on to earn a master's in English literature from UM and became an instructor at the university, Richard Furman said.

DARING REPORTER

Rosemary Furman also wrote for national magazines and newspapers. She once spent three days reporting on hot-air balloons, her husband recalled.

Later, she stowed away on a cargo ship bound for Guatemala for another report.

``She loved a good adventure,'' Richard Furman said.

The couple later had two daughters, Katherine and Lizabeth.

The family traveled around the world, and made frequent trips to Aspen, Colo. Rosemary also enjoyed hiking and mother-daughter tennis tournaments.

When her daughters were grown, Furman went back to school for a law degree.

DOING GOOD

``She didn't do it for the money,'' Richard Furman recalled. ``She believed in the underdog, She wanted to do as much good as possible.''

Furman loved the theater and collecting art, and was known for her impeccable style. She had a taste for Armani clothing, daughter Katherine said.

Giving back was also an important part of her life.

Furman volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem and spearheaded an effort to build a recreational facility for the mentally ill at Mercy Hospital.

She also worked with Jewish Family Services and Fifty over Fifty, a group that made donations to local cultural organizations.

Additionally, Furman sat on the board of trustees at Barnard College, and created the Rosemary F. Furman Counseling Center on campus.

Rosemary Furman is survived by her husband, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will 11 a.m. Friday at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 1920 Alton Rd., Miami Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation.