Rosemary SANDERSON Obituary

Dear Bill, Saddened to hear today of the loss of your dear Rosie, such a bundle' of warmth and energy now gone, she will leave a huge void in your lives and the lives of many friends and the Arts community of Whangarei..My condolences to all of your family and your good self.
From over the ditch in Brisbane, Fond regards, Carol Clark (Palmer)
[email protected]

Rosie and I played many a doubles game of tennis as partners. I enjoyed those games more than when she was an opponent! She was dynamic, intelligent and nice. I will miss her. My condolences to all of her family
Rikki Going

I am sorry I could not get to Rosie's funeral because of prior commitments.
When I think of Rosie - I think of her positivity, intelligence, courage and love for Bill and all of you as a family.
With that as her base, she blessed the rest of us - with her huge energy, love and commitment to others.
I am so glad Rosie received the district Civic honour in 2020. The citation (link copied below explains shows her love and commitment to Whangarei over the years).
I personally think of her dancing happy eyes, exquisite taste, Carols at Christmas, music, hard work, hospitality, parties, style, gardening, her pursuit of active leisure, her curiosity for knowledge and learning. Rosie was wonderful to me.
I send my love and thoughts to Bill, your talents lovely family and your children. Rosie has left a wonderful legacy to you all. She will be so missed.


This article below - about the breadth of Rosie's influence - please read below https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/four-deserving-citizens-receive-whangarei-district-council-civic-honours-for-community-service/K7U7DWUNYY7SETLZQTM45RVOWE/

Rosie
Impossible to summarize her many attributes in a few words
A whirlpool of energy and a passion for many projects
At the core, her family, a loving supportive wife to Bill and a loyal and proud matriarch to their combined families. A loving mother, grandmother and friend to many.
From our perspective an exceptionally warm, welcoming hostess and together with Bill they entertained many friends, family and a widening circle of acquaintances to their home and garden. Delicious meals, grand parties and regular end of year gatherings for Carols and pre Christmas celebrations. Her love of gardening and her interest in neighboring garden became a foundation for many fundraising activities for local charities and the wider community and local artists .
We were in awe of Rosie's ability to encourage interest and support for so many ventures. Bigger projects such as the quarry garden came to fruition despite numerous dead ends and restarts, leaving a community legacy to be enjoyed by the locals and visitors.
Rarely, if ever seen at rest Rosie has participated in a range of local clubs, and in my realm, bookclubs and with great enthusiasm for many sports. In recent years cycling has come to the fore and she has enthusiastically joined friends and family for trips within Nz, around Europe as far as Budapest ( when courageously, she was determined to continue despite significant injuries after a fall) and in more remote locations like Vietnam.
A tour de force in so many ways and her loss will leave a gaping whole for her family and friends alike.

To Alice Bill and Fiona, and the rest of the family. So sorry to hear of Rosie's passing.
She was always very engaging and interesting to talk to. She had a genuine interest in people. I feel Privileged to have known her.
I particularly remember staying up till the small hours with Her Bill while Pat Urlich played the piano, after Alice and Daves wedding day.
I would be there if I could but currently on an oil platform
Michael Atkinson

Thinking very much of Bill and family at this time. I remember she texted me a couple of days before and said “ my family and sunshine, what more could you wish for.” Always remembered.

Thinking of you all. Have many happy memories of Rosie on the tennis courts. She will be missed. A gracious and accomplished lady.
Blessings and Love Joann Harrison

Thinking of you all. Have many happy memories of Rosie on the tennis courts. She will be missed. A gracious and accomplished lady.
Blessings and Love Joanne Harrison

Sending loving thoughts to Bill & all the family at this sad time.
We have fond memories of staying at Ballater , enjoying the wonderful peaceful surroundings , while Cleo & Lulu ruled the roost .
Warmest regards,
Ann & Denis Lloyd.♥

As well as her time spent helping junior tennis at Maunu, my enduring memory of Rosie is seeing her pushing a large wheelbarrow around the wonderful gardens at home, which she clearly loved and tended with great care and botanical knowledge.