September 7, 1914 – February 12, 2013
at the age of 98 years
Died with dignity and grace. Born in Lethbridge, AB, she lived with her close family: her father, Howard; her mother, Grace; younger brother, Lionel; and younger sister, Pat, in southern Alberta. The family finally settled in Edmonton where Rosamond went to school and later went to Normal School to become a teacher. She later completed her degree and taught during the Depression and WW 2.
Rose will be remembered best as half of a wonderful life partnership with her beloved “Gordie”, Gordon McKeown Wilson, her husband of almost 66 years who died in the spring of 2007; and as a blessed and bless`ed mother of five children, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Rosamond was clear what she felt was important in her life: being a loving wife, raising her children, doing church work, gardening, and teaching keep fit. When asked what her defining attributes were she said, “determined, caring, ambitious, and curious”. She had a brilliant mind and was engaged in this “wonderful” world and charmed life until she left.
Rosamond will be fondly remembered by her Wilson-Dobson clan, and her CGIT girls – her “Honeybees” – as well as many United Church organizations, and she will also be remembered by her many friends in Grande Prairie, in Sidney, and in Salmon Arm where she and Gordon lived.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hillside Village Home and Lakeshore Manor for their attention to the needs of their “Rose”. Donations may be made to St. Paul’s UnitedChurch in Grande Prairie, AB.
For the “Wilson Dobson Clan”; My earliest memories in life are of the picnics and hikes that our families shared in Grand Prairie in the late 1950s. What a magic time that must have been as a friendship was formed with my parents, Jean and Alex MacLeod, and the Wilsons and Dobsons that lasted for the remainder of all of our parent’s lives. I know that my parent’s lives were greatly enriched by this enduring friendship. And of course, mine was as well, I really enjoyed my phone chats with the always cheerful and interesting Rose these last few years. She was really a delight to know, a great model for how to live a good life! You were privileged to have her for so long. With love, Cathi Kennedy
Our thoughts are with Rosamond’s family. What a full life she lived – always giving of herself. I met her first at St Paul’s nearly 60 years ago. She was managing a large fitness class in the church basement. That was also my introduction to many life-long friends. What a legacy she has left.
Fay and Dick Bacon
Dear Pat,
Thank you for your kind words. Mom considered you such a good friend. She loved you too!
We miss her, and at the same time we are happy that she made it to the next level!
Love, Pat
Dear Sue and Kay,
Thank you for your kind words. Mom valued you as very dear friends. She did have a long and blessed life. We miss her.
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mom and my dear friend. I have many memories of our years together in CGIT and lunches together on Fridays when our husbands were at Rotary. It has been a privilege to have her as a close friend for so many years. I really loved that lady.
Thank you.
Patricia Schneider
I am sending condolences on behalf of my mother Kay Adkin and myself. We remember lovely visits and memories of time spent with Rosamond. She was so kind and caring and called Mom on a regular basis. They also spent time visiting when your Dad and mine were with us. We were sad to hear of her passing, but what a wonderful long life she had and she will be fondly remembered.