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 Sally, I send heartfelt condolences at the loss of your sister. Although I did not meet her the wonderful write-up has given me sense of the special person she was. It is so hard to lose a sibling (or any family member) and you will miss her. Sending Love and a virtual big hug as you get through this.
Heaven has gained a Beautiful Angel. Rofey will be missed by all the lives she has touched over the years! She had such a beautiful smile. Forever in our Hearts❤️
Joan & Don Sim (Josephine Wright’s daughter) & Rofey’s Godmother)
Sorry for your families loss Sally. Such a lovely obituary for Rofey.
Sending hugs from Surrey England
Inger and Mike Bird
On behalf of the Richards family, I offer our condolences to Bob and family and the rest of the Coleman and extended families, on the passing of our Dear Rofey. Rofey was also a member of our St. Luke’s church family; she was loved and respected highly. We will continue to hold her in our hearts. May she rest in Eternal Peace.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Rosemarys passing. I had only met Rosemary a few times and each time she made me feel like we were life long friends. Please know that my deepest sympathies are with you all during this difficult time.
We are sad to learn of the passing of Rofey. Norm has wonderful Rofey stories that always make us smile.
We send our thoughts and prayers to you all at this time.
Dear Sally- I am so very sorry you have lost your sister. Sincere condolences to you and the family.
Hugs
Joy
Dear Sally and family. So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you after this sudden loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron and I were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, John.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family
Ron and Jill McLean
Victoria
My deepest condolences to the whole Watts family at the passing of Rosemary. She has been the cornerstone to such a wonderful and connected family and it was a privilege to have known her. We are thinking fondly of her.