Read the July / August 2012 edition online - Ollerton with Marthall

Rosemary Helen Haines
Born Rosemary Helen Gillingham on 18th February 1950 in Poole, Dorset to a
shop manager, she was educated in the Bournemouth area at Grammar school and
read music at Reading University gaining an Honours BA. Following training at
Goldsmith’s College, London she started a Primary teaching career in Erith. After
marrying John his medical career took her to Edinburgh, Nottingham, Bristol
and Cheadle Hulme before moving to Ollerton in 1988.
She loved music especially piano and singing. At 18 she sang a solo verse on
BBC’s Songs of Praise. She was a member of Tatton Singers for 23 years being
librarian and assistant conductor on occasions. She was also a member of John
Powell Singers and sang on Radio 4’s Morning Service regularly. There were
singing tours to Northern Spain, Slovakia and Italy where she loved being part
of good music in beautiful places such as the Basilica in Assisi.
She was an active member of All Saint’s, Marthall being in the choir and helping
at times with junior church. She was Churchwarden for a period and sat on the
Parochial Church Council bringing principle and common sense to arguments
on occasion. She organised reading and organists rotas -
she even played the organ at the crib service.
She brought up her two children, Robert and Clare full time. They attended
Ollerton Primary School and Rosemary helped with teaching on occasions. She
returned to teaching at Mobberley and then went into special needs teaching with
Cheshire County. Latterly she volunteered at the local Manor Park School
where her expertise will be sadly missed.
Throughout her dealings with everyone she had an easy and engaging way that
made people listen and understand. She put extra effort into whatever she did to
make sure that it was a complete success. A packed Memorial Service paid tribute
to the number of lives she touched who will miss a truly ‘lovely lady.’
A Tribute To Rosemary
It was a tremendous shock when I got the phone call from Rosemary a few months ago to tell me that she had
cancer and, I suspect, that like many I am shocked still.
I have known Rosemary for less than three years but in that time I have realised what a special and
loving person she was. I felt her warmth and kindness from the time I arrived in the Parish; that care and
compassion was apparent even on the day she died. I experienced that compassion and concern; that gentle
care last year when I was experiencing cancer.
Rosemary, like others in the Parish was part of my
“ Houseworking Team” giving me support in very practical ways; she was an excellent visitor in hospital-
knowing how to be there, what to say and how long to stay- I felt that love she was so good at giving and
so grateful for it. Rosemary will be remembered for her many gifts and talents; her music, sense of fun, her
ability to see the potential in others and to encourage them. I realise that in the same way as she cared for me
she cared for and supported others.
I am sure that others of you who have known her for longer and have been close to her will have many other
special memories to be grateful for and to treasure. I have no doubt that Rosemary will be missed very greatly
and that the Church will be packed to overfl owing for the Thanksgiving Service in celebration for Rosemary’s
life on 21 st June; a real refl ection on the special person she was and will remain.
I am sure that all of you are keeping John, Clare, Robert, Annie and the rest of Rosemary’s family in your
thoughts and prayers as I am and, like me, wanting to give them all the support we can in the time to come. I
am concerned for others who feel the loss of Rosemary; I will do whatever I can to be here for all who might
want my support as well. May Rosemary rest in peace. With my prayers Lynette