Rosemary M. Canfield Reisman Ph.D.

In 1982 I visited Rosemary in Fairhope, AL. Her children had been in my musicals at then Troy State University. Jennifer, her daughter-in-law had played Lisa in The Sound of Music in 1974 singing "I Am 16 Going On 17" In 1974 her husband was at South Alabama getting his Medical Doctorate. While there Rosemary told me to quit having disastrous affairs with women and go back to FSU and get my Doctor's Degree. Her famous words were Dr. Adams and Dr. Long like you but they won't be at Troy...

She was wonderful. I had the pleasure of being a Student in one of her very first Honors English classes when she first came to Troy in 1971. I almost did not take it. I was scared. I am so glad I did. She was a cut above right out of the box. Unconventional. Passionate. She had just come from Louisiana where she studied with Robert Penn Warren. She had classes under the trees outside. She had us over for dinner at her home. We met her family. She was brilliant. I remember her...

She gave a wonderful interview for the film William March/Company K, which I produced and directed, and parts of the interview will appear again in my upcoming film The Two Worlds of William March.

My heart is broken. I began my career with Rosemary as my Chairman, and she was an incredible mentor who did more than I can express to mold and shape my career, though it is actually simple: she believed in me and expected me to do a great job, and I wasn't about to let her down! In particular, she got me started publishing and giving conference presentations. Her faith in my ability, high expectations, and willingness to give me significant responsibilities right from the start were the...

My prayers are with your family at this sad time, may God Almighty be your strength and support. Psalms 83:18. ~I.Needham

Dr. Canfield-Reisman was instrumental in my obtaining my masters degree in English. She was a remarkable lady friend, and teacher!!

I only knew Rosemary in her later years, but I had many enjoyable and interesting conversations with her in that time. I shall miss you, and not forget you, Rosemary.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I had no idea Rosemary was in Fairhope. we go back and forth between Troy and Fairhope and just came in yesterday. In 1982 I visited Rosemary in Fairhope to moan over "love" problems. She told me forget all about this business and go get your doctor's degree. And I did. I owe the last years of my career at Troy State to her sound advice. I would give anything if I could have just talked to her one last time. She was a great lady and will be truly missed. Phil Kelley