Born Rosemary McMorran in Newtownards. 

Rosemary's father had a motor business and her mother was a Head Teacher.  Her family were always closely associated with Greenwell Street church.   A bright child who enjoyed reading and went to school early,  at 17 she went to QUB and graduated to BA.  She enjoyed teaching and applied for a post at Dungannon High School.  In Dungannon she met Ronnie and they married in 1952 and lived in a new house in Woodpile Park.  She taught at the High School then had two children Dermot and Mary.  Mary unfortunately became ill with Leukaemia and died aged 4.  Another later, daughter, Shirley died aged 9 in a car accident.  They were members of the Presbyterian church in Scotch Street and always valued the support of the congregation and ministers.  

They spent 20 years in Cunningham's Lane with a spacious garden which she loved.  She continued to do supply teaching but also filled her life with flower arranging, charity, church, school governing, choir, scouting support and gardening club activities. 

Cooking was second nature, particularly cakes and desserts which she loved to press on visitors and the family.  Many attending family get-togethers solved the problem of avoiding 'having seconds' by having thirds'. 

Flower arranging was a particular joy to her and many of the sympathy cards received endorse her skills in both practicing and teaching the art. 

She was always immaculate in her dress, interested in everything, and keen to make conversation.  Her houses always shone like a new pin and the garden would be continually updated and manicured.  After Ronnie retired they moved to an easier care house and garden at Ranfurly Heights.  The garden remained a great pleasure, and they really enjoyed hosting meals for family and friends in their garden room.  She continued with multiple social activities.  During this time she and Ronnie travelled to Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and often Europe.   She travelled on her own to visit her son and his family when he was working in Australia.  Both she and Ronnie had cardiac operations during this time but were grateful that they both made good recoveries with more years of active life. 

Their 2 grandchildren would visit for summer stays, and eventually 6 great grandchildren came along also.  All enjoyed her playing the piano and encouraging their singing, and picnics in Ranfurly Heights or further afield. 

Ronnie died in 2015, and some years later she chose to move to a care home where although she did become increasingly frail, she enjoyed the company and chat until relatively recently.  Her final illness was short. 

She died with her son at her bedside, comfortably and peacefully.