Rosemary Szczepaniak

In Loving Memory of Rosemary Ann Szczepaniak
August 6, 1951 – July 5, 2023

Rosemary Ann Szczepaniak passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC, with her beloved husband Marty and daughter Ashley by her side.

Diagnosed with cancer in May 2022, Rosemary faced the illness with unwavering strength and grace. A decade earlier, she had lived through another form of cancer, but this time, despite months of treatment, it metastasized. On July 4, she went to the hospital expecting a short visit. She passed the next day at the age of 71.

Born in Scotland, Rosemary was the only child of Roderic Cameron and Margaret Elizabeth Bingham. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was young, eventually settling in Kingston, Ontario. There, she met the love of her life, Marty Szczepaniak. They were married in 1979 and spent nearly 44 inseparable years together – partners in life, work and love.

Rosemary’s greatest joy was her family. The birth of her daughter Ashley was the most meaningful moment of her life, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to motherhood. In 2014, she and Marty retired to British Columbia to be closer to Ashley, splitting their time between BC and their condo on the southern coast of the Baja peninsula, Mexico. They later began building their ‘casa de los sueños’ – their dream home in Mexico – though Rosemary, sadly, did not live to see it completed.

Rosemary was known for her kindness, generosity and quiet strength. She always put others first, offering help without hesitation and living by the Golden Rule. Her warmth touched everyone she met.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Marty, daughter Ashley, Ashley’s partner Kevin Mitchell, and all who knew and loved her.

A funeral Mass was held on July 18, 2023, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Salt Spring Island.

May she rest in peace knowing we only part to meet again.