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Rosemary Powell

Born

October 14, 1932

Dumfries, Scotland

Died

February 27, 2022

Sarnia, Ontario

Obituary

Rosemary Powell
October 14, 1932 - February 27, 2022
With heavy hearts, we are sharing the passing of our mother Rosemary Powell at St Joseph’s Hospice on February 27, 2022. Born in Dumfries, Scotland on October 14, 1932, she moved at a young age to London, England before settling in Chester, where she met her beloved husband, Roy. She often talked about her experiences of living during the war, sleeping in the London underground and never being far away from her rations and gas mask. In 1964 she emigrated to Canada with three young children in tow, aboard the Empress of Canada. This experience tested her resolve and solidified her lifelong dislike for the water. Together Rosemary and Roy built a new life and a home in Sarnia, Ontario and welcomed a 4th child to the family. Rosemary quickly found a job at Sentry Department Store where she connected with many new friends from “Over Home”. She found her calling working at the Sarnia Public Library. She loved books, almost as much as she loved working in the Bookmobile, and she read as much as humanly possible. After retirement, she travelled with Roy throughout Canada and the US. Most recently Rosemary was a very dedicated volunteer at Afton Nursing Home, caring for Roy before his passing. She continued as a volunteer for several years thereafter and was often there during lunch hours to ensure that everyone got the help they needed. Rosemary is predeceased by her loving husband Albert Roy Powell, parents Annie and Fredrick Chrystal, and sisters Aileen and Pam. She is survived by her 4 children: Jacqueline (Egan) Jamieson, David (Kathryn) Powell, Stuart (Kim) Powell and Christopher (Shelley) Powell, 10 grandchildren: Sara (Mike), Kyle (Reagan), Jon (Georgia), Philip (Nadine), Scott (Jessica), Nick (Alicia), Erin (Johannes), Emily (Conor), Adam (Olivia) and Matthew, many great grandchildren and 2 more on the way. Also, she was beloved “Aunt Rosemary” to many wonderful nieces and nephews, both in Canada and England. Special thank you to the staff at Landmark Village for their extra care during her last few months of residency, and especially to the staff at St Joseph’s Hospice for their wonderful care. We would also like to thank her best friend and sister-in-law Margaret Stanley, and dedicated scrabble partner Paul Kendall, for the hours spent with her. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Rosemary’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St Joseph’s Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Society. No service will be held at this time, but instead please play a game of scrabble, do a puzzle, knit a blanket or eat an Eccles cake, and think of Rosemary.

Visitation & Services

No visitation at this time.

Visitation

Services

No service at this time.

Disposition

Lakeview Cemetery

Donations

Cheques only please,
will be received at the funeral home

Cremation

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Family Memories

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Condolences

Sending condolences to Rosemary's family. I worked with her at the library. She was the first person you would see as you got off the elevator - always smiling, always cheerful.
Maureen McKay

My deepest condolences to my cousins (Jackie, Dave, Stu and Chris) for the loss of their beloved mother. My aunt was a quiet, yet determined, woman who lived a busy life, especially in her younger years. She loved her husband and family and travelled across the Atlantic to start a new life in Canada so many years ago. She was there to welcome my own parents, myself and siblings into her home when we first emigrated from England in 1970. I will always remember the open door that she and Uncle Roy provided to us that lasted from those first few months in a new country and extended throughout my childhood, even when we lived in our own house, which was located nearby. Auntie Rosemary was the sister that my mother, Margaret, never had (she grew up as the only girl with three brothers, with Roy being the eldest). I have fond memories of big family dinners and lots of activity. I particularly enjoyed going to their cottage on Sparrow Lake in Muskoka and travelling in their motorhome. My aunt didn't really like to travel as she preferred a quieter life at home. She enjoyed scrabble and jigsaw puzzles, as do I. As a fellow booklover, it was great to chat about some of our favourite authors. I remember the time during her work at the Sarnia Library when she had to call me, in her business capacity, because one of my books was overdue. It was a funny, slightly awkward conversation where she had to tell me that I owed money and needed to return the book promptly. I made sure that she didn't have to do that again! Aunt Rosemary was a frequent visitor to my parents' house at holiday time and for family celebrations, especially after my Uncle Roy passed away. She will be remembered with fondness and love for her quiet disposition, direct and straightforward manner, and willingness to do what needed to be done. We will miss her dearly. Take care of yourselves in this difficult time. She is looking down on all of us as we move forward, as we need to, in the chapters of our own lives that come next until we meet again. Love Diane and Patrick and family
Diane Legris

So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Rosemary the short time I knew her. She was a very kind person.
Didi van klaveren

Dear Jackie and your family. I am sorry to hear about your mom death. Although I never met her, I can see a twinkle in her eye and the personality that I love about you Jackie. I respect her greatly for her endurance during the last two years of this pandemic , what an amazing woman to endure so gracefully. May God give you the peace that she is enjoying right now with Jesus. Love Cathy
Cathy Leaper

My condolences to Rosemary's family. I worked with Rosemary at the Sarnia Library until she retired. She and Roy lived down the street from my husband and I when we were newlyweds living on Earlscourt. I always enjoyed chatting with Rosemary when she came to the library as a patron, or when we crossed paths at New Trish'n.
Ellen Dark

To Jackie, Dave, Stu, Chris and all the family. I am so very sorry for your loss of your Mum. She and your dad were all very good to us whilst growing up. We used to love coming over at Christmas time for a extended family dinner with us as children ending up at the little table mirroring many other families and the competitive game of pool after. Aunt Rosemary knitted me many a jumper and cardigan for my own children and she will be sorely missed by my mum, Margaret. Xxx
Jacqueline Durston

Jackie, you painted a beautiful picture of your Mom in your remembrance of her. I only met Rosemary once but feel that knew her through you and the stories you shared. Love and peace to you and Egan and the rest of your family from Liz and Dave.
Liz Moore.

To Stu and Family We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Janet and I will be thinking of you when we play Scrabble tonight. Janet and Gary Shrumm
Gary Shrumm

Roy and Rosemary were good neighbours to my parents on Earlscourt Drive. Years later I got to chat with Rosemary several times at the bus stop on Colborne when she was going to visit Roy. Condolences to all the family.
Ronan O'Donnell

She was indeed my beloved Auntie Rosemary. I always admired her voracious reading skills and love of books and shared her hatred of going on the water! My Mum, sister Aileen, loved her and was equally frustrated by her ability to remain calm and out of trouble while Mum plunged into it when they were children! She shared her love of reading and wanderlust . Mum laughed when she told me of an RV trek with Roy and all three sisters through Canada. In the midst of the mayhem of planning, arguing, tidying and cooking, Rosemary had an ability to vanish then eventually be found, oblivious, with her nose in her book. A much loved person who will be much missed.
Lee Peddie

Stu , Kim and family. Tim and I are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your mom when she would walk to the grocery store and she always had a big friendly smile on her face. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Sharon O’Donnell

I am very sorry to hear of Rosemary's passing. For many years Rosemary and Roy were wonderful neighbours to me on Charlesworth Drive. In fact Rosemary purchased my home when I moved downtown. I send love and hugs to all her family. xoxo
Robyn Keelan

To the Powell Family. We were fortunate to have such great neighbours growing up on Earlscourt Drive in Sarnia. Lots of memories of all us kids playing outside when there were no computers or cell phones. I can still hear Rosemary calling “ Christopher! “ when the streetlights went on. Just like all the Moms did back then. After Dad passed and we made the move to Kingston Roy and Rosemary hosted a going away get together for us with neighbours from the street. That meant a lot. Your Mom was a great lady. Deepest condolences from Joann, Carolyn ,Greg and Barbara Pearce
The Pearce family

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