Rosemarie passed away peacefully surrounded by family, with her husband Mark holding her hand and caressing her forehead on April 14th 2021 in Victoria BC where she was taken by the Angels to be with the Lord.
Rosemarie was born in Victoria on July 21st 1961 and is predeceased by parents Franz and Maria Schmid. She leaves the Love of her life, her husband Mark of 35 years. She will be lovingly remembered by sister Heidi, niece Carmen (David) great-nephew Matteo, nieces Claudia & Gisella (Rosario), mother-in-law Shirley, sister-in-law Lorraine (Mike), niece Kathryn (Lyndon), nephews Cameron & Jordan, sister-in-law Michelle (Darren) nieces Janelle (Jared) & Jennifer and many other extended family and friends.
Rosemarie’s life was to be one of service being a BC Civil Servant for her entire working career which included many appointments including Government House where she met Queen Elizabeth and personally got to know five of BC’s Lieutenant Governors. Rosemarie found an additional way of serving the community in philanthropy on the organizational teams for Visions, the Women of Distinction awards and the Board of Ballet Victoria.
Rosemarie’s passions were her garden, cooking and baking to share with family and friends, travel, the Arts, dance and especially ballroom dancing with her husband Mark.
At an early age Rosemarie played the piano but, in her teens, decided to take Ballet and met Paul Destrooper (Future Artistic Director of Ballet Victoria). Rosemarie was to dance with Paul in the school production Mary Poppins where she played Mary Poppins and Paul, Bert. It was hard to imagine that after all those years Paul and Rosemarie would keep in touch and in 2008, she joined the Board of Ballet Victoria as the president. Rosemarie worked with determination, tenacity and tirelessly continuing her passion with Ballet Victoria until she passed away helping to leave a legacy that will live on. As a tribute to Rosemarie, a pair of Pointe Shoes will be interred with her signed by the members of the Company of Ballet Victoria with the inscription “Thank You! Dance with the Angels”. She would have been so proud.
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:15)
We thank McCall’s for their organization of a private interment for family and friends at Royal Oak Burial Park.
In Lieu of Flowers please make Donations in Rosemarie’s name to Ballet Victoria PO Box 8877 Victoria, BC V8W 3Z1, https://www.balletvictoria.ca/product-category/donations/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
53 Responses
We were so very sad at the loss of Rosemarie. She worked tirelessly as President of Ballet Victoria and we will miss her vibrant personality and dedication. She never once mentioned her health issues and always stayed positive. She will be missed by the arts community and especially Ballet Victoria. Our condolences to Rosemarie’s family. May she rest in peace.
Bob and Devi Jawl
The world has lost an incredible person in Rosemarie. You will be missed. Sending our deepest sympathies and hugs to Mark and family.
Rosemarie and I worked together for a time at Government House. Following that, it was always a pleasure to meet up with her, and hear of all the exciting work she was doing with Ballet Victoria, as well as her many other community work. Mark, I am certain that your heart is aching with pain and loss at present; however, I do know that your faith, together with the loving support of your family members and dear friends will help to sustain you through this awful time. Rosemarie will be remembered so very, very well by so many, and her legacy will continue to reverberate in Victoria for a long time to come.
Our deepest condolences to Mark on the passing of his beloved Rosemarie. Rosemarie and I worked together at Government House for a number of years and her sunny personality and professionalism contributed much to the often challenging activities in the schedule of the Lieutenant Governor. She was a much appreciated member of the GH team and will be remembered fondly by those who worked with her.
Rest in peace, Rosemarie.
Michael Roberts
My sincere condolences to the families. The very little I knew of Rosemarie’s many accomplishments, I came to know her as a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul.
Mark,
Our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Rosemarie. I know she will continue to watch over you.
Doug and Joan
Rest In Peace beautiful lady. To the family, move forward knowing that this amazing woman touched so many lives and did so much for others. She will not be forgotten. Mark, please know we are thinking of you and our prayers are with you.
It is with great sadness that we heard of Rosemarie’s passing. Her contribution to the artistic life of Victoria was immeasurable and did not go unnoticed. Her love and passion for dance was evident in her tireless dedication to Ballet Victoria, the art form and the nurturing of young artists. She will be missed but her legacy will live on.
On behalf of all of us a Pacific Opera Victoria please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Grania Litwin,
Chair, Pacific Opera Victoria
Mark: with the distance separating us, I can not offer much more than words at this sorrowful time for you.
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences
Rosemarie, I loved working with you on Tea for Tutu at Ballet Victoria. You will be sadly missed. Dance among the stars!