Obituary of Rosemary Poyser

POYSER (George), Rosemary “Rosie” – Passed away peacefully in her 83rd year at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia, Ontario,  on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, after fighting pancreatic cancer for several years. Beloved wife of Christopher Joe Westmorland Poyser and loving mother of Katherine Anne Poyser, Sarnia, Marian Elizabeth Banovsky [Mike], Sarnia, John Christopher Poyser [Arwen], Vancouver Island and Mary Jo Robson [Dean], Vancouver Island. Loving grandmother of Michael David Kelch [Jasmine], Dustin Christopher Kelch, Marie Cecile Mendonca [Ryan], Olivia Robson, Eric Robson, Griffen and Makena Barr. Great-grandmother of Riley and Brooks Kelch and Bella Mendonca. Sister of Anne Genevieve De Leenheer, Peterborough. Predeceased by parents Percival & Dolores George, sisters Dorothy Pasques, Marie Elizabeth “Betty” Evelyn, Mary-Elaine D’Aquin Hayward and brother David Anthony George.  Rosemary George was born on April 4, 1938, in Jamaica to Dolores “Dolly” Laurante LeMercier DuQuesnay, and Percival "Percy" Arthur George. She was educated in Boston, MA at Emmanuel College where she studied English and Spanish and confused the locals with her blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin, sparkling smile and strong Jamaican accent. Rosemary returned to Jamaica and married Christopher in 1962. They had 3 children in quick order. Seeing the decline of their beloved island, they followed many of their family & friends abroad - immigrating to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in August 1975. The arrival of their daughter Mary Jo was a late-life surprise but never one to back down from a challenge, Rosemary laced up her running shoes at age 42 and embraced moms & tots playgroups like a pro. Rosemary’s family was the light of her life and they will fondly remember the many, many delicious meals at Rosie’s dinner table. Like many immigrants, Rosemary joined Newcomers and she and Chris subsequently formed a travelling Gourmet Group that met once a month for over 30 years. Together with lifelong friends Judy & Carmen Lamb, Lorraine & Jack Beaulieu, Louise & Floyd Rhyno, lucky guests invited by the hosting couple, knew they were in for a sumptuous treat.

Rosemary was a devoted Catholic and member of the St. Benedict’s CWL for 30+ years and recently Queen of Peace congregation.  Rosemary was an avid quilter and loved her “stitch and b*tch” gatherings dearly. She loved learning new techniques and never let her colour impairments stop her from forging boldly into daring colour combinations others might have shied away from. Her creations were truly works of art but more importantly, gifts from the heart. Rosemary was under the loving care of St. Joseph’s Hospice for the last week of her life. She slept peacefully under her favourite quilt named “Peaches and Cream” which she has generously donated to the hospice. This was her wish, but she first issued strict washing instructions - our feisty Rosie to the end.  Rosemary’s family would like to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to the London Regional Cancer Program team including Dr. Stephen Welch, Dr. Southcott, and nutrition cheerleader James Mulligan. They would also like to thank Dr. Julie Lebert’s Bluewater Health team, Debbie Mulligan of Erie St. Clair Healthline and Dr. David Kim’s palliative and hospice team for their compassion and care. Rosemary received nothing less than professional excellence every step of her medical care journey and for that, we are eternally grateful. Due to the restrictions of Covid19, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church with Interment at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. There will be no funeral home visitation. Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory for those attending mass. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 Christina Street North, Sarnia, Ontario, N7T 5W3 stjosephshospice.ca 

Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 519-344-3131. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com