Obituary

ROSEMARY FOWLER

November 3, 1929 – September 19, 2023

Rosemary Fowler of Richmond (and Penticton) passed away peacefully at 93 years of age on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Rosemary’s last days found her surrounded by friends, family and more love than she could imagine. We all laughed and cried together as “Mum” shared stories of her life. When the time arrived, we all held hands as she smiled and looked around the room to say “Goodbye everyone, I’ve had a pretty good journey!” She slipped away peacefully listening to Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words on the Piano. Her body couldn’t carry on, but as she said, thanks to MAiD she was able to leave without further suffering and surrounded by everyone she loved. She was so witty, fun, honest, and fearless. Rosemary was an inspiration right up to her last day, one of the last living examples of how those who lived through WWII, wives and husbands both, sacrificed so much for us. Tough, stoic, selfless. We shall not forget.

Rosemary was born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 3, 1929. Her family moved to England where she lived thru the upheaval of World War II. As many children during that time, she was sent away to safety to live with relatives and be out of harm’s way. Her beloved brother, Peter, was shot down over Norway during the War which devastated her. She moved to London to pursue a secretarial career and loved telling stories of her netball and music hobbies. A huge highlight for her was attending Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. She remained a steadfast royal family fan throughout her life.

Rosemary emigrated to Montreal in 1954 to start a new life. On the boat over she spied a handsome young man who was busy looking after all the babies on the boat. Not a common sight in the 50s! She thought he was perfect “husband material,” but they didn’t actually meet until she ran into him again at Simpsons Sears and the romance began. Des and Rosemary were married in Montreal in July 1955 and left for the West shortly thereafter. They settled in Richmond where she lived for 64 years. Her life was full of all the good things – music, singing (The Gallery Singers), gardening, painting, knitting, family, friends, her beloved dogs and above all, reading! There was nobody better at words than Mum. She worked with words throughout her life as a typist, a secretary, and a typesetter. Nobody could beat her at Scrabble, she could spell perfectly, grammar always corrected. In the last two years she got hooked on Wordle and did her last one just the day before she died.

Rosemary is survived by her three children Sally Bouchard (Paul), Tim Fowler (Holly) and Gillian Hayter (Randy). Also thoroughly loved by her six grandchildren Dan Bouchard (Courtney), Chris Bouchard (Erika) and Sarah Boudreau (Shawn); Sean Fowler; and Jesse and Evan Hayter. Her great-grandchildren filled her last year with so much life and energy: Maya and Brooks Bouchard and Isla, Claire and Rylan Boudreau. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephew: Deirdre, Malcolm and Skye Donaldson; Mark, Stella, Brendan, Kelsey and Cameron Davie; Jean, Gordon, Coulson and Clare Boothe. Special mentions  to the Penticton village members Georgie, Brad, Jill, Natalie and Courtney as well as Steph and Alex for brightening her days!

She was predeceased by her husband, Desmond Fowler in 2007 and by her brother, Peter Carlisle in 1944.

We are so appreciative of the amazing care that Mum received at Penticton Regional Hospital. Every single doctor, nurse, care aide and support staff were so kind and worked to make her comfortable right to the end. Many thanks also to The Concorde retirement home where Mum spent her last year – she loved it there!

There will be no service at Rosemary’s request. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation to support our wonderful hospital.