November 16th ,1922- November 25th , 2010
Rosemary passed away peacefully in Victoria after a short illness. She is survived by her husband Harold(Hal), her children Ellis Ripley(Geoff Trafford), Andrew Ripley(Deb) and her stepchildren, Steve Ripley and Robin Ripley. Her six grandchildren, Christof Trafford, Mason Trafford, Maxx Ripley, Cleigh Ripley, Peter Ripley, Brian Ripley(Robin) and two great grandchildren, Wilder and Reese Ripley will miss her.
Rosemary was born in London England and moved to Vancouver with her parents ‘Leffie’ and Doreen Baker when she was two.She is survived by her younger brothers Fred and Brian Baker. Rosemary attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart and was well known for her love of sports and her dislike of school- especially math. She was a classy, vivacious and popular figure amongst her peers. She joined the Wrens in 1939 and began one of the most defining phases of her life. She travelled as far as Newfoundland with the Navy and made many friends who enriched her life forever. In 1953 she married Wilder Ripley and moved to Calgary. Her two children were born there and she was very involved with the Junior League. She became a well liked figure in Calgary’s social scene.
Rosemary(Rosie) will be remembered by all of us for her sense of style, her generousity, her gentle demeanor, her outstanding sense of humour and her zest for life. She was always up for an adventure- a trait she has passed on to her children. Last but not least Rosie adored all animals especially cats. This last year she got so much pleasure from watching the little birds outside the window of her den.
After Wilder’s death Rosemary moved to Victoria. She married Hal in 1994. We would like to thank the nurses and staff on 2West at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their care and attention during Rosemary’s time there.
A Celebration of Rosemary’s life will take place The Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Dr. Victoria 250-598-4321 on Tuesday December 7th from 4pm-7pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Rosie’s name to your local BC SPCA. BC SPCA Provincial Office, 1245 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 1R1 (604) 681-7271 or 1-800-665-1868 http://www.spca.bc.ca/support/donate/
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
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Penny Wedd
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Sarah Whatman I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Rosemary. As they say over here, she had a very long innings and it is good to know that she did not suffer a final long illness. In fact, my grandmother was almost exactly the same age when she passed away, so we must have some longevity genes in the Baker family.
I am so glad that I managed to see Rosemary again two years ago, when I passed through Canada on my way to the US. She was still on sparkling form & a great hostess, able to remember quite obscure details about the family. I know this is how my dad, and all of us will remember her. She looked after my dad when he came to Canada on a gap year in the 1960s, then welcomed us to Sooke when we came on a family holiday in 1997. I believe that my brother Dominic and his girlfriend Clair also came to see her relatively recently during their world travels.
My grandmother (Catherine Whatman) remained close to all her Canadian cousins, despite living across the Atlantic. Her family history contains numerous references to the uncles, aunts and cousins back in Canada. It seems that the four siblings (Esme, Dick, Leffie and Nanno) were very close-knit and they and their children spent a lot of time together in the 1920s and 30s, in England and in Canada.
I have forwarded your email to my mum and dad and Dominic and I’m sure they will also be in touch. I’m sure also that someone will mention Rosemary’s comment to my dad, upon seeing him again after 30 odd years – “Why Roger, you’re as old as God!”, but it won’t hurt to write it here too, as it proves what a great sense of fun Rosemary had. The comment came about because of that other Baker gene, that of getting grey hair, and then pure white, relatively early in life.
I do hope that the memorial service will bring further comfort to your family at this sad time and please pass on my condolences to Hal and all the family. I will remember Rosemary with much fondness,
with love from
Sarah
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Anita Russell nee Roche So sorry your news of Rosemarys passing. My thoughts are with all the family. You may know my mother Jocelyn Roche died 2 years ago to this month. I hope thye are reunited and having a fun time. Its good to think so.
I remember well my happy days in Vancouver visiting you in Calgary for christmas and our get togethers.
One of the Wallaces passed on the article from the paper and I am pleased to be able to send our families love.I occasionally speak to Fred, but not often and would very much like to get back in touch as in this country there are only the four of us (my three brothers and I left in the family (plus four other halfs and 6 kids (ranging from 16-21) between us).
I have some wonderful photos of Jocelyn and Rosemary and Fred found after Mums death and would love to share them with you.
Lots of love
Anita Russell
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Linda McNally Rosie has been part of our lives for such a long time and we will all miss her remarkable energy and interest in the world. She had such
honesty and enthusiasm for life and she always made one feel very welcome in her world. I am in awe of the care and devotion that her children have shown towards her and feel very fortunate to know and love them.
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Bonnie Neville Dear Ellis and family;
We shared some lonely moments chatting at the hospital while our Moms were there. I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to you before Mom was transferred to Hospice. She died Nov. 23rd and I was honoured to be with her at the time.
Your Mom was a beautiful lady. Thoughts are with you, Hal and your families at this time.
Thinking of you,
Bonnie Neville
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Debra Meyer Ellis, Geoff, Christofe and Mason
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Gramma Rosie. She was such a gentle soul, and you will surely miss her. Treasure the memories and keep them close to you especially in the next few days to help you through this. Know that our thoughts are with you.
Debra, Dave and Sean
Dear Ellis and family,
What a beautiful picture of Rosie. She was elegant, clever and funny – I enjoyed meeting her at your home when we would come for dinner. And of course I have great respect for her knowing that she so adored animals. I will happily make a donation to the SPCA in her honour.
I wish you a lovely service tomorrow, and a prayer for Rosie and you all.
Love
Penny