Rosemary Margaret WERNHAM

(née Soutter) 1922 – 2024 Rosemary passed away peacefully at home, on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in her 103rd year. Beloved wife of Jim; she was the adoring mother to her two sons, Christopher and Richard; a proud and caring mother-in-law to Monique and Julia; and a loving grandmother to Nicholas, Emma and Simon. She was the dear sister of John, David, Dennis, William and Joseph Soutter of the UK, all of whom predeceased her. Rosemary was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on February 5, 1922, and was raised there by her loving parents, William and Evelyn Soutter. After graduating from Aberdeen Central School, Rosemary attended the University of Aberdeen, where she completed the M.A. degree, subsequently enrolling at the Aberdeen Teachers Training College. Her career as a teacher was cut short by her marriage in August 1946 and the rather remarkable requirement that she resign her position on becoming a married woman. Rosemary and Jim then travelled excitedly to New York, where Jim continued his studies at Union Theological Seminary. By 1949, the young couple found themselves in Toronto, where Jim joined the Department of Philosophy at University College, U of T. In 1954, now with their two sons aged 4 and 1, they moved to Ottawa for the next stage in their lives. Rosemary was a totally devoted wife and mother, taking charge of all things family while supporting her husband's advancing career, first at Carleton College and very soon thereafter at Carleton University. Rosemary had a happy life in Ottawa, bounded by church and school, watching her family grow and enjoying their successes to which she made an enormous contribution. With her sons and their wives, and the grandchildren living in Toronto, Rosemary and Jim returned there in 1989. After a number of years in Etobicoke, they moved to a more central location to be closer to their sons and their families. These, too, were happy, untroubled times with Rosemary enjoying remarkable health well into her 90's. After her husband's passing in 2013, Rosemary was well enough to live on independently until her 99th year. Thereafter, though less physically active, she remained intellectually lively and inspired her family with her positive attitude and determination to get the most out of the years that remained. Rosemary will be remembered by her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren as a symbol of rare selflessness and love. Rosemary's family wishes to thank caregivers, Kimeya (Kim) Tusho, Rosemary (Rose) Barbosa, Terdoo Nyiekaa and Virginie Eyale, and her physician, Dr. Eugenie Phan, for their loving compassion and superb care. At Rosemary's request, her passing is to be marked by a private family funeral gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Charity of Your Choice in her memory.