Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes
“On behalf of Rosie’s family, I welcome you here today….We gather to honour and remember Rosemary Victoria Pearce, who died on her birthday, the 4th January, a day that already carried meaning, now holding both love and loss. There is something tender and poignant in that: a life completing its circle on the very day it began.
Rosemary, Rose, Rosie, mum, nan… was kind, friendly, always up for a chat, a beautiful woman who left behind a trail of warm memories. All those who knew her were touched, in one way or another, by her love, her generosity, and her steady presence. Today is a time to remember her life, to speak of joy and sorrow, of abounding energy and decline, devotion and grief, and to give thanks for a life that has been deeply lived.”
Eulogy (including a short video of Rosie singing, Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes), Tributes, Photo Reflection, Laying of Rose Petals
In the final chapter of Rosie’s life, the pace slowed and her quality of life diminished. For someone who loved movement, creativity, purpose and independence, this was deeply sad to witness. It is right to name that grief alongside the gratitude. While there is relief that Rosie is no longer suffering, there is also a deep sadness at her absence, and at the closing of this era in your family’s life.
Words of Remembrance
Rosie loved life, and she lived it with energy and purpose. She carried a quiet leadership, stepping into responsibility, and making sure people felt included and looked after.
Rosie could turn her hand to anything. She kept a home that welcomed family and friends. She was practical, capable, and unafraid. Rosie adored her family, and created traditions, valued manners and kindness, and offered warmth freely. She stayed curious, and remained deeply connected to those she loved.
Rosie was cherished as a daughter, sister, wife, mum, mother-in-law, nan, aunty, teacher and friend and she will be remembered with great affection by all who knew her.
May she rest in peace.
Closing Words
Rosie gave her family a good life. She was there for her family, she worked hard, and she loved deeply and, she will be missed. May you carry forward the best of what Rosie lived: her kindness, her busyness of heart, her loyalty, her warmth.
Earlier, we heard Rosie sing ‘love grows where my Rosemary goes’ and, in that video, witnessed the warmth of her smile. As we come to the close of this ceremony, may you feel ‘the love that grew wherever she went’, and that continues to grow in every place she has been, in every life she touched.
Thank you for being here today, thank you for your presence and care. May peace be with you.
Closing Song: Edison Lighthouse—Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes
