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
-
Karen (Watts) Brosnan
-
Marilyn Moldowan Dear Uncle Bob, Megan, Rob, Mary, John and families,
I am so saddened to hear of Rofey’s passing. Aunt Rofey always tried to stay connected and called to catch up. Aunt Rofey was very special to me. After our Mom passed I found Aunt Rofey calling more often as she said “that’s what family does”
I will miss her great smile and her warm ways as I will always remember her.
Truly and always,
Love Marilyn xx
-
Ed and Charlotte Woodrow Bob, Sally and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing.
We have so many special Pender memories.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Ed and Charlotte Woodrow
-
Connie Auchterlonie Dear Bob and all the family, including the Coleman’s:
So sorry to hear of Roffey’s passing. She will be sorely missed by many.
So out going, so cheerful and so loving. Thinking of you and praying for you.Love
Dave and Connie
-
Lyn Oldale My condolences and God’s blessings to all of Rofey’s family and friends. My prayers are with you all. I will never forget her cheery voice and wonderful stories. She will be sadly missed.
-
Waffa Jennings 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
-
Gordon Beebe 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.
-
Irene Tyack 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
-
Kathy Haley 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.
-
Noa Molia Prayer and condolences to you and the family
-
John Moran 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
-
Alyssa Kennelly 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.
-
Sylvia and David Sinclair 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
-
Melidy Farrell 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.
-
Sister Doreen McGuff, SSJD 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
-
Joanne Thomas 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.
-
Joan Sim 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)
-
Inger bird Sorry for your families loss Sally. Such a lovely obituary for Rofey.
Sending hugs from Surrey England
Inger and Mike Bird
-
Genevieve Richards 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.
-
Kathleen, Ron, Riley Cronk 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.
-
Norm and Lesley Daniel 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.
-
Joy Elise Fox Dear Sally- I am so very sorry you have lost your sister. Sincere condolences to you and the family.
Hugs
Joy
-
Joan Howard 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 Jill McLean Ron and I were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, John.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your familyRon and Jill McLean
Victoria
-
Bryn and Lisa McLean 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.
Dear Bob,Megan, Rob, Merry and John,
I am your cousin, Karen (Watts) Brosnan, from Oregon, USA.
I am truly saddened by hearing of the loss of your dear Rofey. Of the times that our families were able to visit, Rofey was always so sweet, kind and genuine. In fact, this evening I happened to pass by Nyberg Rd, in Tualatin, OR and thought of the nice time we had when we met with Bob and Rofey at the Nyberg Inn. Believe it or not, I think it was in the late 1970’s.
Far too many years have passed by since our visit for Uncle Bill’s birthday in the mid 1990’s at the park near Langley. I trust you are doing the best you can while starting a New Year. I send my love and wish you all the best. Hopefully we can arrange a time to connect in the near future. With sincerest sympathy, Karen