Celebrating the life of Rosemary September

23 July 1936 - 21 July 2025

We praise God for the life of Rosemary September who is now at peace with Jesus. Please join us at St John's, 10am on Tuesday 29 July, for a celebration of Rosemary's life.

Please keep Sharon and Colleen and their families in your prayers.

Reflections by Joan Adams: Rosemary is the one who invited me to David Wardle’s cell group. Whenever she came to cell group she always loved the cake! Because of her I’ve become who I am today. She did good, big things for me - she really did. This is why we always kept in touch. Whenever I confided in her it would stay between us. She would tell you where you were going wrong and where you were going right. She was always laughing and joyful even when she was feeling down. She really was a fantastic woman!

Reflections by Rae Vermeulen: Whenever we spoke on the phone, I would call her queenie and she would giggle. The queenie reference was to her being prim and proper, kindly straight forward and no nonsense. She did not hold back and plainly spoke her mind. On one occasion I was taken to task for calling her a day late for her birthday and after that made sure that I messaged or called her on the day. We became friends at one or other church event during the early 1990's when Rosemary and I washed dishes together. Her memory was excellent and she could recall past ministers and events at St John's with clarity. I hadn't heard of Rev Wakeling but I soon got a history lesson. She was a regular, active and engaged member of house church for many many years.

With the help of technology she remained part of that house church even once she was confined to being at home. She cooked and baked and served whenever called upon to do so. She made a mean mac and cheese and also milktart which she would whip up in no time. Our phone chats were long and we could share each other's joys and concerns. Rosemary had health challenges but she bore them all gracefully. She shared her pride in her children and grandchildren and her delight in her great grandchildren.

Her laugh and measured tone of voice is what I will remember. The laugh of uncertainty that would accompany the words "I don't know or I'm not so sure about that!" or the joyful laugh when Albert would relate the ways in which he needed to help her when she became less mobile. Weaved through the many conversations we had is the thread of unwavering faith that Jesus is her constant companion. Rest well dear friend.