Obituary of Rosemary Dufresne

ROSEMARY DUFRESNE

(nee FORBES)

December 26, 1960 – May 15, 2021

 

On May 15, 2021, at the age of 60, Rosemary passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family after a long, courageous battle with cancer that never diminished her spirits.

 

Born in Scarborough and raised in Brooklin, Rosemary was a devoted educator with the DCDSB for 34 years. She was inspiring to her colleagues and shaped the lives of countless students. Of course, her teaching did not end with the final school bell. On top of her career, she was a passionate hockey and lacrosse mom, as well as a role model to her four children. Rosemary was generous and selfless, almost to a fault, as there was never a person in need – family, friend, or stranger – who she would ignore. She was never shy to start a conversation and share a kind word with everyone she passed by. She was a master of the “Forbes Goodbye.” If she started her farewells at a family function, rest assured those leaving with her did not have to get ready to go for at least another hour. Rosemary was passionate about and had special talents for arts and crafts. One of the joys of every Christmas season was her rendering household items into a Christmas ornament, painted and designed with care specifically and uniquely for each of her many extended family members. Rosemary was also passionate about her Irish heritage, which she finally was able to experience first-hand in 2017 when she and her sisters visited the birthplace of their mother. After just two weeks back in her homeland, Rosemary returned with a newly pronounced accent of the word “carrot” which her kids loved poking fun at her about.

 

Rosemary is survived by her husband Jamie and leaves behind her 4 children Michael (Solomiya), Madeleine (Sean), Alexander, and William. Reunited with her parents, Harold and Mary Forbes (nee Haughian). Loved by siblings, Mary-Liz, Susan, Harry (Patty), Joanne (Steve), Peter (Toni), Fran (Dave), Dan (Anne-Marie), Jim (Tes), David (Julie) and cherished by many nieces and nephews.

 

Celebration of life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to her favourite place to visit with family, Presqu’ile Provincial Park https://www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca/how-to-donate.php

 

Rosemary’s family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Rothenstein and Dr. Aubrey Kassirer for their care and compassion.

 

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.