Rosemary Gwendolen Hooker (née Aikman) September 18, 1933 – April 23, 2021

Rosemary Gwendolen (Aikman) Hooker passed away on April 23, 2021
in Ormstown, Québec, peacefully and surrounded by family,
who will forever keep her in their hearts.

Rosemary was born to Gwen and Howard Aikman on September 18, 1933. After graduating from Bishop’s University, she struck off into the world, landing a job as a chemistry, physics and math teacher at Ormstown High School. In Ormstown she met her future husband, Donald and they were married on July 4, 1959.

Rosemary loved her life and community in Ormstown, where she and Don raised their five children. She embraced life on the farm, growing the years’ worth of vegetables (all organic!), looking forward to every flower’s bloom in her gardens, or hiking in the woods with an adored dog, through a carpet of trilliums. She was devoted to her faith and truly enjoyed the community at St. Paul’s United Church where she served as an elder.

A passion that she and Don shared was their love of raising Siberian Huskies.

Together they travelled from dog show to dog show throughout North America, and from trail to trail, dogsledding over the winter snow, while making many treasured friendships along the way. Her family (and probably her neighbours too) can still hear the song of her Siberian’s gentle howls as they were serenaded to sleep.

Rosemary’s love for the adventure of travel brought her to Europe in the 1950’s with her friend Jean and later to England to reconnect with family, travelling with (daughters) Nancy and Melanie. She and Don, often with their kids in tow, traveled to B.C’s coast, Alaska and the Yukon, throughout much of the United States, to the Maritimes as far as Newfoundland (camping, while in their ‘70s!) and to pretty much all of Canada, in between.

Only the epic events of World War II and the challenges of this past year, kept her away from her treasured Kittemaug Cottage in Vermont, where she spent so many happy summer days enjoying family, the water and her cherished sailing canoe.

There are so many wonderful things to remember about Rosemary, but an ever present theme was her love and devotion to family, to her husband, children and grandchildren, along with fierce pride in her four brothers and affectionate respect for her dear parents. What she gave to family members saw no bounds and was extended to friends who became part of the family.

Rosemary is survived by her husband Don, her son Ian, daughters Nancy (Nick), Liana, Melanie (Ron) and Andrea (Ghislain), her grandchildren Carter, Jennie, Mackenzie, Jackson, Rachel, Benoît and Éllianne, her brothers Bruce (Francine) and Chris (Hennie), her sister-in-law Irma, her sister- and brother-in-law Heather and Dale, many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers John (Irma) and David (Hazel) and sister-in-law Marilyn.

A service may follow at a later date. In Rosemary’s memory, donations
would be appreciated to the Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital,
28 Gale St. Ormstown, QC, J0S 1K0 (also by e-transfer at dabarriememorial@gmail.com)
or St. Paul’s United Church, c/o James Sproule, 49 Gale St., Ormstown, QC J0S 1K0.

 

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46 messages.


  1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Rosemary will be missed by our family, she graciously welcomed us to her home in Ormstown where we were so fortunate to see a brand new litter of Husky puppies. She was so proud of them. When she came to visit us on Cape Cod, we shared a lovely visit. Our condolences go out to Don and the children and we wish them beautiful memories of Rosemary


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Hi Janie. So nice to hear from you! I remember my sister Liana and Mom going to visit you when I was in high school. I had something on and couldn’t go, but wished I had gone because they had such a lovely trip! Mom sure did love having people stop by the farm and DID love her dogs. She will be missed. Thank you for the condolences. Sending love.


  2. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    We were so saddened to hear of Rosemary’s passing. She was a lovely lady and we always enjoyed our chats at church functions. She will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to the family.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thanks so much for your condolences and kind words. Mom really enjoyed being a part of the church community and valued the connections she made there. It was a big part of who she was.
      Take care.


  3. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    I’m so very sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing. I remember visiting in Ormstown many times as a child and of course she was often at her parents house in Stanstead. My sincerest sympathies go out to the entire family. I haven’t seen Rosemary in many many years but she was always very much cherished by me and the entire family.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thanks so much Jeff for reaching out and remembering mom. Family connections were so important to her and she loved staying in touch with family members far and wide. She also kept the Aikman/Hooker history alive for us. We will miss hearing her stories and memories. She would be so happy to know that you cherish these connections and memories as well. Take care.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thank you Jean. We agree, and do miss her very much. We are thankful for all of the wonderful memories. Take care.


    2. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thanks « Mrs Lawrence » for your message. We are very lucky to have had such a super mom, who made such a positive impact at home and in her community.

      Sincerely, Nancy


  4. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Rosemary had a really full life, but always made time for family. She was a wonderful cousin and every memory I have of her is a very happy one. She had great kindness and integrity.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Else, thank you for your kind words. We are comforted by the fact that mom did indeed have a full life. Mom loved telling us about family history and reminiscing of times with her grandparents, uncles, aunts cousins and brothers. It was also important for her to keep in touch with family. We will miss that, but look forward to continuing sharing family history and stories with you and others.


  5. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    My Deepest Sympathy to the Aikman and Hooker Families in your Great Loss! My Thoughts off you “Donald” and your Family at this Time! I Remember “Rosemary” and your “MOM” for a long time through the Church ( St. Paul’s United)! What a Lovely Person she was in so Many Ways! Also in Ormstown High School as well! My Thoughts and Prayers are with you “ALL” in these most difficult times! “Rosemary” will be Missed, but, Will Be Remembered to “ALL” who Knew Her! God Bless you “ALL”! ❤️ “Memories Are A Treasure”!


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thank you for your kind words and thoughts Carol, it is very much appreciated. Mom enjoyed so many things, including teaching and the St. Paul’s community. We are blessed that she has left us with so many wonderful memories, and we cannot agree more that they are truly a treasure. Take care.


  6. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Our sincere sympathy to you all especially Ian (We are praying for you). Your mom was a very special person I’ve known her a long time through the church of which she was very dedicated.

    Good bye Rosemary, you deserve a rest.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Mom truly was dedicated to the church and met many wonderful people in the process. Thanks so much for your support and sympathy. Take care.


  7. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Dear Liana, Jackson, Rachel, Hooker and Aikman Families,

    Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you. We are sad and so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful tribute to her on an incredible life lived. May Rosemary’s vibrancy live on in your memories.

    With our heartfelt love, Steve, Koryn, Ashley, Brodie and your dance family at Pique


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thank you to the MacArthurs. Over the last few days we have have been pouring over photos of Mom and many special situations that she created. (With five children and my dad, she made an awful lot of birthday cakes!!) « Vibrancy » is a great word to describe what we see, and we can’t help but smile and laugh as we remember. You have given us some good advice!


  8. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to you and your family.


  9. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Sending many many prayers and sincere condolences to the family, friends and all the Siberian community.

    I remember the first time I have met Rosemary, back in 2001… carrying her water bucket all the way to the kennel- I thought « how strong of a woman… I want to be just like her when I grow old!!! »
    She was my mentor, my friend… I recall only the best of Memories at the Ormstown house!
    A great woman- with an even greater spirit- your spirit is carried on in my dog yard ! I will never forget you.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thank you for the kind words. With no children close by, it was awesome that my parents had a second family to welcome into their home!


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thanks Pat! She reminded me of you and Julie! She had a passion that filled her life and she had never ending energy. Not sure how she did so many things, for so many years!


  10. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    So very sorry for your loss! Losing mom is most heartbreaking
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. My condolences to the family ❤


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thank you Terry. I like to think of our moms having a great time catching up! Take good care.


  11. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Love, thoughts and wishes to Liana, Rachel, Jackson and the Aikman family at this time. Sincere condolences from your sister-in-law Kathryn, and cousins Thomas and Elisabeth Fix.


  12. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Sincerest condolences to you Don and family with the loss of our dear Rosemary. So happy to have her in my life, the wonderful visits and calls. Promoted to glory dear Rosemary, rest in eternal peace.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      Thank you Hennie. It is so sad that COVID kept you from your last planned visit. For the distance between you both, you did manage to connect quite a bit. She sure loved family!


  13. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Condolences to you Donny and all your family. Rosemary will be greatly missed .
    Thinking of you in these hard times.


    1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

      I will pass your condolences on to dad, thank you from all of us as well. Our mom will be missed. Hope you are well. It has been a long time!


  14. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    In her graduation yearbook of many years ago, Rosemary was summarized by one word: cheerfulness. Throughout her life experiences, she carried that positivity with her. Thanks for your loving-kindness, dear sister.


  15. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Dear Liana and family,

    « A Mother holds her children’s hands for just a little while, but their Hearts Forever. »
    Our heartfelt condolences with the loss of your very dear Mother.

    Carolina and Tony