Nov 23, 1943 - Nov 23, 2017
Rosemary Isobel McDowell, 74, peacefully passed away on her birthday, Thursday, November 23, 2017, at Whitehorse General Hospital.
She is survived by her husband Willie, and her daughters Clare and Tara (Simon) and her sisters Anne McGrory (Leo) of Scarborough, England and Eileen Bradley of Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.
Rosemary was born in Derry, Northern Ireland and grew up in Ballycastle, County Antrim. She attended Queen's University, Belfast, earning a degrees in geography and education and then went to work at Thornhill College in Derry.
She came to Vancouver in 1970, where she met her future husband, and fellow Irish immigrant, Willie. They married in 1972 in Watson Lake, Yukon and moved to Whitehorse permanently in 1976. The culture shock made for many interesting letters to her family in Ireland, who weren't sure this place, in the wilds of northern Canada, full of colourful characters, could actually be real.
Over the years, Rosemary faced many medical challenges, but throughout, carried herself with grace and dignity. Her faith and determination brought her through serious illnesses. Her stubborn streak meant she would not give up. She lived for her family. Rosemary was selfless and kind, and her loss is profoundly felt by her loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yukon Hospital Foundation.
Rosemary's family wishes to thank Dr. Dan Carew and Dr. Peter Steele for the excellent care they provided her over the years. Thanks also to the nursing and support staff of the surgical and Elder Care units of WGH and of the Home Care Program.
We would like to thank Maria Kenney, of North Vancouver, BC, Rosemary's closest friend, for all of her support and love over the years, especially during this time.
Thank you also to Susan Graves of Whitehorse for all of her help.
Funeral services will be performed by The Venerable Dr. Sean Murphy at Christ Church Cathedral in Whitehorse, on Friday, December 1 at 2pm, with a reception to follow in Hellaby Hall.