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In loving memory ~
Our beloved Mom passed away peacefully at home on August 10th surrounded with the love of her 4 daughters just one day after a family gathering of 4 generations who came to say goodbye. Thank you to Rev Brenda Riley from Knox United who came to the house to facilitate a prayer circle for our mom/grandma/great grandma. Family was everything to her.
Rosemary is predeceased by her husband Bill, her parents, Clarence and Mary Gerhart, and her brothers Edgar and Rick. She is survived by her 4 daughters Lynne (Rick), Jane (Ken), Mary Ann (Chris), and Karen (Kelly), 9 grandchildren Jeff, Scott, Carlene, Ali, Jordan, Deanna, Kelsey, Zoe, Kailyn and 15 great-grandchildren Axel, Nico, Violet, Emmerson, Luca, Riley, Lexi, Lucas, Kira, Nova, Will, Jasper, Carter, Oliver and Charlie, and several nieces and nephews.
Rosemary was born in the small town of Coronation, Alberta where her dad was a pharmacist and the mayor. Politics led them to Edmonton when she was 12, where he was a cabinet minister until 1955. The family-owned the Varsity Tuck Shop, a very popular gathering spot for university students (restaurant, pharmacy, coffee shop, meeting hall). It was in Edmonton where she made very special lifelong friendships through school and university.
Rosemary earned her degree in Household Economics from U of A in 1951 and started her career as a dietitian at Toronto Children's Hospital. This is where William Callaway re-enters the picture after meeting through friends in Edmonton before he served in Korea with the Royal Canadian Regiment. Bill was truly the love of her life and they married Sept 22, 1953. The next 10 years were a whirlwind with the births of their 4 cherished daughters and moves to London (ON), Scarborough and Hamilton.
A new chapter began with a major move to Vancouver in 1965 bringing her closer to her mom. Once settled in North Vancouver, with the youngest daughter in school, she was excited to resume her career. She put on her hat and gloves and applied for a job as a nutritionist at Vancouver Health, and of course, she was hired, even co-authoring "Building Better Babies", a book for new mothers. Throughout her busy career with a young family, family was most important. Accepting of everyone, our home was always open to friends. A safe and nurturing place where everyone felt welcome and loved and very well fed!
In 1982 Bill had a dream of retiring to Galiano Island to run a small resort, Penny's Cottages. Rosemary decided that she would add Realtor to her resume and began a successful new career there which she loved. She was well respected for her honest, well informed and sincere desire to do the best for all her clients
Her mom moved to Galiano and the 4 generations had wonderful family gatherings there for 13 years. Adventures were abundant and the grandkids loved spending time beachcombing, golfing, gardening, horseback riding, going to the markets and so much more.
After looking after her own mother to the end of life it was time to retire from real estate and she and Dad moved to Craig Bay in Parksville. Knox Church became an important part of their life. Through the church and community of Craig Bay Mom found close friends and finally had time to indulge in hobbies. She belonged to bridge groups, took up painting, cooked amazing meals, baked, did crosswords and sudokus, kept up with the times and stayed in touch with her grandkids and distant friends and relatives on her iPad.
Rosemary was a wise mentor willing to share her wisdom with so many. She lived life to the fullest with joy and gratitude.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the VIHA home support staff who showed kindness and compassion in their care to Rosemary the past 4 months.
A memorial service will be held at Knox United Church in Parksville on Saturday, September 28th at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Alzheimer's Society of BC.