It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rosemary Jean Spendlove (née Webber) early in the morning of January 5 at her residence in Kanata, Ontario. She had a steady stream of family and friends keeping her company at her bedside in her final weeks.

Throughout her 81 years, Rosemary’s spirit for life, love for family, passion for social issues, deep commitment to her faith, and warm hospitality touched many lives in her family, community, church, country, and beyond. She will be greatly missed.

She was born in Vernon, BC, to Bernard and Jean Webber, both teachers. She was raised in the Christian Science church and became a lifelong adherent. Following Bernard’s term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of BC for the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF – a predecessor to the New Democratic Party), the family moved frequently to follow the parents’ teaching positions, including to Quadra Island, Prospect Lake (near Victoria), Vernon, and Duncan, before settling for a time in Vancouver. A formative experience was a trip in 1959, where the family (her parents, Rosemary, and her four siblings) drove across Canada, camping most of the way.

Ballet was an early passion, and she performed in several Vancouver recitals, thanks in part to studying under the great Madame Lydia Karpova, former Premiere Danseuse of the Mariinsky Ballet and a peer of Anna Pavlova. She was also very active at Magee High School in Vancouver, where she participated in the UN and drama clubs, was elected student council vice-president, and was class valedictorian in her senior year. During university, she spent a memorable three summers working at Chateau Lake Louise as a member of their service staff.

Graduating from UBC with a degree in Political Science, Rosemary moved to Ottawa in 1964 to join the federal public service. At the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Ottawa, she met David Spendlove. They were engaged three months later and married in March 1965 in Vancouver.

A highlight of her time in the public service was a key role in coordinating the Queen’s Royal Visit during the 1967 Centennial Year. For this work, she received a letter of thanks from Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. 

She left the public service to focus on raising her family, also becoming very engaged as a volunteer within her community, including advocating on local educational issues. Her passion for social causes led her to volunteer at the Well, a women’s support centre in downtown Ottawa; to campaign for the NDP over several elections; and to join the National Anti-Poverty Organization (later Canada Without Poverty) as resource center coordinator, a position she held for 25 years, continuing as a volunteer once they faced a massive reduction in their budget. In this role, she ensured researchers and policy influencers had access to current and correct material on poverty and its associated issues, and was recognized for her contributions to a United Nations Committee submission investigating Canadian compliance with the International Covenant of Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights.

Her political views were underpinned by a strong compassion for all, particularly those in difficult circumstances. Throughout her adult life, Rosemary took people under her wing, whether they were new Canadians, new church members, or individuals facing life challenges. She gave generously of her time and energy to those in need.

She was very involved in the Christian Science church in Ottawa, particularly with the Committee on Publication, the Sunday School, and organizing Christian Science summer camps and events for youth. As the representative for her church with the Regional Multifaith Committee in Ottawa, she helped organize the annual World Day of Prayer and also volunteered as an assistant chaplain at the former Rideau Correctional Facility in Burrett’s Rapids.

Outside of her community activities, she loved gardening, visiting the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens of Ottawa’s Experimental Farm, travelling the world, attending dance productions, and the NAC Orchestra, and spending time with her friends and family. She and David regularly hosted renowned Thanksgiving weekend events for family from across Ontario and Quebec.

Rosemary’s dear husband David passed away in December 2023. She is survived by her sister-in-law Grace (Rodger), sister Elizabeth (Andrew), and brothers Phil (Miriam), Christopher and Jeremy (Carolyn), sons Paul (Melissa) and Mike (Angel), and grandchildren Emily, Ava, Vesper, and Luna, as well as many in-laws, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A celebration of life for David and Rosemary was held in Ottawa on January 13.