Rosamond Mary Templar Harper

Rosamond Harper Obituary

Rosamond Mary Templar Harper December 26, 2006 COLUMBUS, GA— Rosamond Mary Templar Harper, 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 26, 2005 at the Muscogee Manor Nursing Home in Columbus, GA. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Mrs. Harper was the daughter of Arthur Paul Harper C.B.E. and Marion Florence Campbell Harper. A longtime member of the New Zealand Alpine Club, Rosamond loved the mountains and was one of a team of three women to make the first all woman ascent of Mt. Sefton in the Southern Alps of NZ. She spent several years as a mountain guide before her marriage to Selwyn Hadfield in 1937. Rosamond had an adventerous spirit, a zest for life, and a love of learning that she passed to her family and friends. Survivors include her three children and their spouses, Mike and Pat Hadfield of Fairlie, New Zealand, Sue and Paul Sutcliff of Midland, Georgia, and Heather Booth of Auckland, NZ.; five grandchildren and their spouses; Ed and Paige Sutcliff of Statesboro, GA., Mike and Susan Sutcliff of Alpharetta, GA., Susan and Forrest Jones of Denver, Colorado, Chris and Deia Sutcliff of Perry, GA.; and Julie Hadfield of Albury, NZ. Rosamond is also survived by eleven great-grand children. Rosamond was preceeded in death by her siblings, Tristram Harper, John S. Harper, Leonard Harper, and Joan Maturin. The family will hold a private celebration of Mrs. Harper's life at a later date. Visit www.striffler-hamby.com to sign the guest registry.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Jan. 9, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosamond Harper

11 Entries

Patricia Montarella

December 24, 2006

Rosamond
will always hold a special spot in my Christmas memories. She loved the
bright decorations and the carols that we sang together. She sang less
and less the last year, but she was always quick to tell me that she
had had a beautiful voice when she was younger.

John Denver sang a sentiment that I'm sure Rosamond would claim:
"I hope that you will think of me in moments when you're happy and
you're smiling."

I'm comforted to know that Rosamond's mortal remains are home;I'm hopeful that I'll see her again one day in heaven.

I wish God's blessings on all of her friends and family as we celebrate
our first Christmas without her.

I'm happy and I'm smiling--
Patricia Montarella

Susan Jones

December 22, 2006

As the one year anniversary of Mum's death approaches, I have found myself thinking of her more than I usually do - which is almost every day. So many times I have to make a decision and think what her advice may have been.....or do something that I would like to share with her.....or pick up the phone to ask Mom to let me say Hi to Mum. I know she is enjoying the trip back to New Zealand and having her ashes spread over places that meant something to her when she was younger. I still miss you terribly Mum, and continue to celebrate your spirit in my life.

Ed Sutcliff

December 20, 2006

Mum's ashes are in New Zealand this month, being spread throughout the places she loved & enjoyed.

We love you & miss you Mum.

Ed

Susan Jones

March 28, 2006

I was privelaged to be one of MUM's granddaughters. She taught me the meaning of so many things in life by just simply living her convictions every day. She loved totally, argued fiercly, and lived with fervor. I don't think MUM ever wasted a day of her life. She always had a purpose, even when others thought she was crazy. She blessed my life by being a part of it, and making me feel as though she was the lucky one. She passed along her love of the outdoors to me by taking me hiking and camping. I now do those things with my own children. She passed along her insistance that women can do whatever they want to do, and her annoying habit of questioning EVERYTHING!!!! These examples she set have served me well so far........I recently dreamed that MUM came to visit me, and she was very healthy and happy. She was visiting all her family and friends, and was so happy to see that we were all doing well. She always told me she would let me know that she was O.K. after she died, and I believe she did just that. I wanted to wait until I could write this without crying, but I guess I should have waited longer. I will always keep you in my heart, and your sprit in my life.....I miss you - Susie-pip

Charlotte Kennedy

February 3, 2006

Rosamond was a wonderful friend of mine for many years. When I met her, I was ill with chronic fatigue syndrome and other ills. Rosamond kept me supplied with tapes and books, and literally inundated me with knowledge about health!

Our interest grew from health to metaphysics and beyond. It never ceases to amaze me at all of the things I've read in the last years, and recognized them as facts I learned from Rosamond many years earlier! She truly was "ahead of her time" as so many writers have said!

She will be missed by many people, including me!

Charlotte Kennedy

Patricia Montarella

January 28, 2006

Rosamond was my friend. My youngest son, John, introduced me to Rosamond while he was volunteering at Muscogee Manor. He asked if I would play the piano for her. What I thought would be a casual visit turned out to be one of the richest blessings of my life.

Rosamond taught me the true meaning of friendship. Neither she nor I benefited materially or socially or in any business standings from our association with each other.. We never exchanged gifts of any great monetary value. We never went on expensive outings or attended newsworthy gatherings. We simply spent time together—visiting others, playing the piano and singing, sharing good books and newspaper and magazine articles, laughing with each other, and sharing the joys and concerns we had for our families.

Rosamond was a great example. Although some in her physical condition might be prone to indulge in self-pity, she rarely seemed to worry about her limitations. She often expressed concerned for “those poor people” in the Alzheimer’s unit. She appreciated every gesture of kindness done on her behalf, and she was quick to tell you what others had done for her. Although I knew she had a number of children and grandchildren, I never heard her brag about what she had done for them—only about their wonderful deeds and families. She was so excited about the successes of her children and grandchildren, and I was tickled to hear her tell about each new baby who arrived during our years of friendship.

Each visit began with the exclamation, “Oh! Is it really YOU?” Rosamond made me feel as if my visit were the most important event in her day. My tears are flowing as I picture that beautiful smile and those seemingly-clear, blue eyes! (She didn’t know it was me until I spoke.) Each visit ended with a hug and encouragement to “Give Larry and John my love.”

As my own father became seriously ill and faced death in 2005, Rosamond encouraged me to spend more time with him and my mother. I regret that this interfered with the regularity of my visits with Rosamond, but I appreciate her concern that I spend time with my own family during such a precious time.

Rosamond used to promise to come back to visit us after her death. That promise provoked some serious theological discussions—oh, how I will miss those sweet debates! One point upon which we agreed was that God had given us to each other—true friends.

There were a FEW occasions when I forced myself to visit Rosamond just because it was my usual time to go. Those were usually hard days at school in the middle of winter. I would drag myself out to Muscogee Manor. Within minutes of my arrival, my energy would start to build, and by the time I departed, I would be totally rejuvenated.

Rosamond made me feel special. She loved me, encouraged me, challenged me, but, more than anything else, she simply accepted me as I was and befriended me. Everyone should be so blessed to have such a friend in his life.

I have many friends, but no one will ever fill the hole in my heart left by Rosamond’s departure from this life.

George & Hanneke Ware

January 16, 2006

I (George) will always remember Mrs Harper as the dynamic and vivacious person she was. I was honored that she permitted me call her "Mum."

Mrs. Harold Thompson

January 15, 2006

I lead a Bible discussion in Columbus, GA for international women.

Rosamond went with me. She was transparent and always challenging. I loved her zest for life, her love for people especially children, and her forthrightness. Thank you Rosamond for enriching my life.

Leo Harper

January 14, 2006

Rosamund was always light years ahead of her time.

Her ideas, considered way out at the time, are now increasingly being accepted as mainstream wisdom.

In her memory we should resolve to be more receptive to different approaches.

Jean McKeem

January 14, 2006

I first knew of Mrs Harper when my husband was a resident at Muscogee Manor Nursing Home. I know she must have been an outstanding person. I am a friend of her daughter,Sue, and have heard stories of her life. It was a privlidge to have known her , if only for a short time. My prayers are for the family to remember all the wonderful memories they have of her.

Ed Sutcliff

January 9, 2006

I was Rosamond's oldest grandchild. She was a fearless woman who lived life to it's fullest. She was years ahead of her time. She climbed mountains, took my brother & I on hiking trips through the Smokey Mountains, and helped my mother raise four children during the years my father was away on various military assignments. "Mum" never accepted conventional wisdom on any subject, chosing instead to challenge herself and others with constant questioning of the status quo. She yearned for knowledge. So much so that she attended classes at Columbus State University when she was in her 70's. Many a college student (and professor) found themselves looking at issues from a new perspective after hearing a 75 year old offering her thoughts on the topic of the day. I'm glad my children got to meet their great-grand mother... and I"m glad I was fortunate enough to live in a family where her knowledge, skills, and experience were valued and shared.

Ed Sutcliff

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