Rosemary died peacefully at Victoria Hospice on Saturday, May 28th, 2011 which just happened to be her 84th birthday. She is survived by her two sons, Michael (Marilyn) and Christopher (Cheryl); her three grandsons, Paul (Monika), Patrick and Philip as well as her four loving great-granddaughters; Anabel, Sophie-Jane, Erika and Kirralee. She is also survived by her brother, David, her niece, Rosemary (Don) and her nephew, Ron (Mirjam). She was just recently predeceased by her loving husband, Wes, who also died at Victoria Hospice on November 10, 2010. Rosemary was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 28th, 1927 to Stan and Peggy Gray. She grew up in Regina during the depression and WWII and experienced living alone with her mother during the war years as both her father and her brother were stationed with the Canadian Armed Forces overseas. Rosemary attended the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon graduating in 1948 with a B.Sc in Laboratory Technology . It was also at the U of S that she met Wes, marrying in Regina in 1949. Rosemary devoted the 1950’s and early 1960’s to life as a Navy wife and to raising her two sons. In the early ’60s she resumed her career as a lab technologist serving at VGH until her retirement in 1992. Rosemary and Wes loved travelling. In later years they cruised the globe, meeting many new friends along the way. Throughout her life, Rosemary was a keen participant and enthusiast in two activities – tennis and bridge. She remained an active tennis player until she was 80 years of age. During the years, she and Wes acquired many wonderful friends, both through the Navy and in more recent years through Victoria Gyro. A very special thanks to all the wonderful nurses, staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets in Victoria on Thursday, June 16th at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, generous donations to Victoria Hospice would be appreciated and encouraged. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Ron Armstrong
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Nora I will miss her. God Speed
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Edith Atkins Chris and Michael. I worked with your Mom at the VGH Lab for many years. My husband Guy with Jane & Bill and you parents had many good times together .I too am on my own now but I often reminisce of those special times. My sympathy goes out to both of you and your families. Edith
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Susann Hunt Chris and Michael, I know Rosemary wasn’t well but it’s still hard to say goodbye. My condolences to you both and your families. Take comfort in Wes and Rosemary’s love and know how very proud they were in you and your successes. My sympathies, Susann
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Ellen Halikowski My condolences to Michael, Christopher, and their family.
Both Rosemary and Wes were wonderful friends to Hal and I and our family. I have many fond memories of times that we shared together.
My sympathies to you all during your time of grief.
Ellen
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David Else Michael, Christopher & family:
Please accept our sincere condolences. Rosemary will always be remembered as one of the great Gyro ladies. She was a charming, elegant and gracous hostess at all the wonderful parties she and Wes gave at their home on Kingsmill and later through the years at their gorgeous penthouse in Wedgewood. We also so enjoyed being in her company through the years at the gatherings at the Uplands. Rosemary was greatly admired and she will be very sorely missed.
David & Nita
Mike and Chris—-even after 45 years I can remember how graceful, kind and warm your mother was. She truly made her home a welcoming place, especially for friends cast up by the tides of the Seventies.
My condolences, and cherish those memories of a great lady.