Rosemary Doris Livingston

LIVINGSTON Rosemary Doris (ne?e Deveson) December 28, 1921 - March 14, 2008 Rosemary passed away peacefully on March 14, 2008. She had been coping with Alzheimer's for the last 6 years of her life. A private service and burial occurred on April 18th at Ocean View Cemetery, Burnaby BC. Rosemary was born in Bowsman River, Manitoba; the only child of Bertram (Peter) and Rosemary Doris Deveson. Rosemary moved to Vancouver with her parents in the middle of the depression. During her early teens she blossomed into an extraordinary ballet dancer. Her prodigious dance talent quickly catapulted her onto the international stage as a dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo at the age of 15. Rosemary danced under the Russian stage name Natasha Sobinova. Rosemary toured the world and danced with some of the premier artistic ballet talents of that time period. Following her professional dancing career, Rosemary founded a dancing school in the penthouse of the Georgia Hotel, passing on to new generations of dancers the mastery of technique and purity of line. Many generations of her students have vivid memories of "Miss Rosemary" working her magic in the studio. Some of her students went on to major professional success in ballet. In the late 1940's Rosemary moved to New York, where she married actor James "Jimmy" Westerfield. By the mid 1950's she had moved back to Vancouver, marrying architect Gerald Hamilton in 1956. 1957 through 1961 was a whirlwind, giving birth to Julie, Mark and Deirdre. Unfortunately, Rosemary and Gerald parted ways in 1967. In 1973, Rosemary married Vancouver born David Livingston who had just moved back from spending several decades in California. David helped raise Julie, Mark and Deirdre during the teen years while blessing his new family with the introduction of his adult children from his previous marriage: Eleanor, David, Marshall and Dewey. Although Rosemary and David's marriage eventually transformed into a close friendship, the "kids" remain as close as ever to this day. In later years she became a talented potter, creating many outstanding pieces that are cherished by friends and family. In the 1980's Rosemary's love of dance drew her back once again to teaching children ballet at community centres throughout Richmond. In 1995, the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame honoured Rosemary Livingston who made an outstanding contribution to entertainment in British Columbia, across Canada, and around the world. Rosemary received a "star" on the "starwalk" located on Vancouver's Theatre Row and was also recognized on the "starwall" at the Orpheum Theatre. Rosemary Livingston is survived by her loving children Julie, Mark, Deirdre, and spouses Patrick and M.J.; and her five grandchildren Angus, Sean, Tara, Jack and Melissa. Rosemary is also survived by her loving step-children Eleanor, David, Marshall, Dewey and spouses Jennifer, Kerry and Jennifer. Other treasured relationships included her mother and best-friend-for-life Rosemary Doris Deveson, and a forty year long friendship with confidant David Strachan. Please join us June 15th at Hycroft (Woman's University Club) in Vancouver from 2:00-5:00 for a celebration of her life. Rosemary wanted her celebration to be joyous and fun and has requested that no one wear dark colors. Your stories are welcomed! Please call Julie Burke at 604-597-7296. A dancer to the end, her feet were in a perfect "first" position when she passed away. There is no doubt that would bring a smile from the heavens above!