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 Watts Family, we are so sorry to hear of Rofey’s passing. She was a treasure!! We will miss her tremendously. We have such fond memories of delivering flowers to her on numerous occasions. Such great conversations.
Sending love to the whole family.
Rob and Waffa Jennings
Jennings Florists
Dear Uncle Bob and cousins, we are very sorry to hear of Aunt Rofey’s passing. What a joyful and exuberant lady she was, in every situation that I can recall. She certainly was devoted to her family, immediate and extended. She will be dearly missed by many.
It is with great sadness to hear about Rofeys passing, we have such lovely memories of Rofey and Bob arriving at The ostrich farm and the Yellow hat tribe gallery. I tried to contact Rofey a couple of times not realizing she was poorly. Please tell Bob our thoughts and love are with him always and love to all the family.
Vince and Irene Tyack {The Yellow Har Gallery Cotswolds England
I’m sorry cousins, for your loss. Aunt Rofey worked to keep our extended family together. She and Uncle Bob had an open door and always graciously received me when in town. She also worked to remember birthdays of the extended family. I will always remember her bubbly personality and her enjoyment of people. She was one role model I work to emulate. I’m sure she created many memories that you will treasure. I pray that the Lord will help you with the pain of loss and help you recollect those precious moments of love and laughter.
Prayer and condolences to you and the family
Bob, Sally and Chris
So sorry to hear of your loss. Words cannot express the sorrow you must be feeling for one so dear.
I will keep you all in my prayers
Rofey and her family were very kind to me when I attended UVIC – they often had me over for a home-cooked meal. Generous and friendly. My condolences to all the Watts.
David and I send our condolences to the family on Rofey’s passing. May you draw strength from your memories and knowing you will meet again!
Love and hugs!
Sylvia and David
I am so so sorry for your loss and that of the rest of the family Chris.Deepest condolences to all. Rofey sounds like someone I would love to have known and I know she brought much love, joy, laughter to everyone around her. May she rest in peace and your memories of her bring you comfort.
Love and sincere sympathy
Melody and family.
Dear Bob
Please know that I am sending prayers and love, so sorry to hear of Rosemary ‘s death. We have kept you both in our prayers here at the Convent. Know you and family are surrounded in prayer and held close to God’s heart in your sorrow
With my love, and in thanksgiving for the life of Rosemary
Sister Doreen