Rosemary died in 2024 at the age of 88. Her son Robert was pleased to be asked to share some memories of his mother.  

“Our mother loved Kent and was committed to her local community. She was born in Lamberhurst. With her brother and sister, she enjoyed the countryside of the Scotney Castle estate which her father managed but equally they all enjoyed music and singing at home with their mother.

“After leaving school she moved to London to train as secretary. She worked for companies in London, Paris and Switzerland. She enjoyed singing and going to concerts.

“In 1960, she married our father Felix. His career in the Royal Engineers meant that they moved every two years. She stayed at home to look after their young family, first me and then my sisters Jennifer and Mary. She encouraged us all to learn to play an instrument. I chose the oboe. 

“In 1971, we moved to Maidstone, initially to Army quarters but after two years my parents bought their own home there, where they lived for the rest of their lives.

“She went back to work as a legal secretary. She developed her legal career and worked for Maidstone Borough Council as a property law adviser until she and my father retired in 1995.

“Living in the same place meant it was possible for mother to be more active again in music. She enjoyed years of singing with the Maidstone Choral Union, until well into her 80s. As well as the MCU she was very involved in her local church and sang in its choir. She was a member of the local music society which regularly went to concerts and the opera in London.  She particularly enjoyed hearing young people perform."

“Mother passed on her love of music to me. I too sing in choirs. And we enjoyed going to each other’s concert.  Her last visit to London was with my sister Mary to hear me perform with my choir at Cadogan Hall.

“Our father passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in 2016. She had always looked after her own financial affairs.  She remade her will and chose to leave 10% of her net estate to charities as she felt it was a great incentive to leave them more money and to save inheritance tax. 

“She remained independent until an unforeseen stroke in 2022. It caused a loss of memory and cognitive powers, and she needed constant care. Fortunately she was able to continue to live at home. She remained physically active and the carers and I took her to local concerts. After a short final illness she died peacefully at home in bed.

“A few months after the private family funeral we organised a service of thanksgiving for her life at her church.  The church was full of friends and family and full too with the music she had loved to sing and hear, some of it performed by the Maidstone Singers including Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, a particular favourite of hers.

“We are pleased she chose to leave a legacy to Youth Music because of the great work it does giving young people the opportunity to take part in music making."