ROSEMARY VANDERWATER

Mrs. Rosemary Anne Vanderwater (nee Whelan), age 72 years, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Hospital on Friday, January 26, 2018 with her family by her side.

Rosemary was born in Toronto, Ontario on July 14, 1945. She met who was to become her life partner, Bill Vanderwater in Sault Ste Marie on June 30, 1967. They solidified a relationship by long distance phone and by letter while Bill worked and lived in Fort William and Rosemary remained in Sault Ste Marie. Rosemary and Bill committed to their relationship by marriage on December 28, 1968.

Though she worked at several places during her working career, Rosemary derived the most pleasure from her years of service to the Lakehead Board of Education where she met and befriended so many people. She enjoyed most serving as the receptionist.

Her greatest joy in life was family. She spent so much of her time sharing the sports, music and academic interests of both Alan and Michael and their families.

Rosemary is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bill; son Alan Vanderwater, wife Marcia, grandsons Toby and AJ; son Michael, wife Jamie, daughter Abigail Hansen Vanderwater and recently inherited granddaughters by Mike’s recent marriage, Madison and Caitlyn Pascoe. Rosemary also leaves behind her brother Greg, currently living in Ottawa as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter Terry Lyn as well as Father Adrian Martin Whelan, mother Verna Whelan and daughter in law, Carmen Jill Vanderwater.

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Rosemary Vanderwater will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11:00 am in Calvary Lutheran Church. Interment will take place in Mountainview Cemetery at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening, February 2, 2018 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Rosemary to the Salvation Army or Canadian Red Cross.