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
Mark,
I was so saddened to see news of Rosemarie’s passing.
Rosemarie was such an elegant and kind woman. Whenever I ran into her, in the grocery store or at an event, she had a big smile on her face. She was just as bubbly and sweet as I remember her when we first met after moving next door to both of you.
My sincere condolences to you and Rosemarie’s family.
Jane (Billson) Bourree
I am so very very sorry to hear of Rosemarie’s passing. My heart goes out to all her family, and especially to Mark.
Mark, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Rosemarie.
I worked with Rosemarie many decades ago in the Ministry of Forests when she was first beginning her career. I remember her as a beautiful lovely young woman who worked very hard and was so professional. I also remember her driving around in her extremely large white car and her excitement in planning your wedding.
She was a very special lady and I feel so sad that she passed away so young.
My sincere condolences to you and her entire family.
My sincerest condolences. Rosemarie was so much more than just the board president of Ballet Victoria. Rosemarie went above and beyond for Ballet Victoria, completely invested in our success. She cared so much for the art form, but also for us artists. Before every opening night she would personally gift each of us a beautiful rose. She will be truly missed but remembered forever.
We will sincerely miss the kind and gentle nature of Rosemarie.
She had a love of life and a passion for everything from good food and fine wine to dressing up and going dancing.
We are missing Rosemarie along with you Mark. You have our deepest sympathy.
Mark, my heartfelt condolences to you and your extended family on Rosemarie’s passing. Although I didn’t know her well, the tributes written by so many people speak of a loving, hard working, creative and graceful lady. Cherish the memories..
To all the family of Rosemarie. We were shocked and greatly saddened when we saw the notice of Rosemarie’s passing. I remember when she was born. In 1969, She was one of our two flower girls at our wedding in 1969. I was looking at an old wedding picture just the other week.
Dear Heidi,
I mourn with you the passing of your beautiful baby sister. The last time I remember seeing her was as she prepared to go with friends to a Bay City Rollers concert at the Memorial Arena more than forty years ago. It appears she had a very fulfilling life, accomplished much, and was loved by many.
Mom and Dad called me this morning to tell me the very sad news after reading about Rosemarie in the Times Colonist.
Dear Mark,
May I offer you my sincere condolences. I had the honour to work with Rosemarie for many years at Government House. Although our paths took different directions over the years, Rosemarie always kept in touch, and was always willing to volunteer for different projects at Intergovernmental Relations and the Office of Protocol. All co-workers will always remember her fondly as an enthusiastic, hard working, truly dedicated and tenacious colleague. May you find solace and comfort in this difficult time, knowing that Rosemarie brought joy, elegance, grace and serenity to all that she endeavoured.
Rosemarie always had a smile to share. To her family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. How sad for you all at Ballet Victoria.