Rosemary Joan, aged 83, died on February 13, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, after a year-long illness. “Rofey”, as she was known to all, was born on October 19, 1939 in Limpsfield, Surrey, U.K. to the Rev. Michael and Mrs. Mary (King) Coleman. She and her mother travelled from England to Canada aboard the Monarch of Bermuda in 1940, to be joined later during the war by her father. The family settled on Vancouver Island and grew with the additions of brother Michael (decd. 2021) and sister Sally. In 1950, the family moved to Regina, Sask., where her father was elected the Anglican Bishop of Qu’Appelle, and where her brother Christopher arrived to complete the family.
After graduating from the Qu’Appelle Diocesan School for Girls at 16, Rofey attended the University of British Columbia (B.A. ‘59). It was at UBC where Rofey met the love of her life, Bob, who fell for her sparkling eyes instantly. They were married in September 1959 and embarked on a lifelong journey together, including raising their four children, with stops in various spots in B.C. and California. The family settled in Victoria, B.C. in 1979 to be closer to their Pender Island family property, where Rofey’s grandparents first resided in 1934 and which remains in the family today.
Rosemary was an active member of St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Saanich. She served as Rector’s Warden and led the St. Luke’s prayer chain for many years. She wore her U.K. (and Canadian) citizenship proudly, returning with Bob to the U.K. for vacations many times over the years.
Rofey / Mum / Granny / Great-Granny will be greatly missed by her loving husband Bob, their four children (Megan, Rob, Merry and John) and spouses (Mark, Theresa and Kristine), 12 grandchildren and their partners, 1 great-grandchild, her surviving siblings and extended family, and so many lifelong, longtime and newer friends. We will remember her amazing ability to connect with people and her knack for making even strangers feel special in her presence. Gatherings at our house were always large festive affairs filled with lively conversations, jokes and laughter, with Rofey always at the centre of the shenanigans. Notwithstanding her wacky sense of humour, she was determined in her convictions and loved her family fiercely and proudly, always.
Rofey was feisty, stoic and immensely brave in fighting her pancreatic cancer until the end and, true to form, was still gaining new friends and admirers (and solving cryptic crosswords!) in her very last days.
We wish to thank Dr. Behroozi for his kind and compassionate care, the wonderful care team at Care & Company and the special staff at Sunrise who supported our Mum in her last days.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Road, on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 1:00pm, with reception to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
25 Responses
Dear Bob,Megan, Rob, Merry and John,
I am your cousin, Karen (Watts) Brosnan, from Oregon, USA.
I am truly saddened by hearing of the loss of your dear Rofey. Of the times that our families were able to visit, Rofey was always so sweet, kind and genuine. In fact, this evening I happened to pass by Nyberg Rd, in Tualatin, OR and thought of the nice time we had when we met with Bob and Rofey at the Nyberg Inn. Believe it or not, I think it was in the late 1970’s.
Far too many years have passed by since our visit for Uncle Bill’s birthday in the mid 1990’s at the park near Langley. I trust you are doing the best you can while starting a New Year. I send my love and wish you all the best. Hopefully we can arrange a time to connect in the near future. With sincerest sympathy, Karen
Dear Uncle Bob, Megan, Rob, Mary, John and families,
I am so saddened to hear of Rofey’s passing. Aunt Rofey always tried to stay connected and called to catch up. Aunt Rofey was very special to me. After our Mom passed I found Aunt Rofey calling more often as she said “that’s what family does”
I will miss her great smile and her warm ways as I will always remember her.
Truly and always,
Love Marilyn xx
Bob, Sally and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing.
We have so many special Pender memories.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Ed and Charlotte Woodrow
Dear Bob and all the family, including the Coleman’s:
So sorry to hear of Roffey’s passing. She will be sorely missed by many.
So out going, so cheerful and so loving. Thinking of you and praying for you.
Love
Dave and Connie
My condolences and God’s blessings to all of Rofey’s family and friends. My prayers are with you all. I will never forget her cheery voice and wonderful stories. She will be sadly missed.