Obituary of Rosemarie Halpin

HALPIN, Rosemarie Born August 6, 1928 in Windsor, Ontario died on March 7, 2016 after coming home over two years ago making her life journey "a full circle". Known affectionately as Sister Mary Terence, Marie, and Bud, Rosemarie was the eldest of four children of the late Cecilia (Bennett) and James Halpin. Raised on Dawson Road, Windsor, Rosemarie joined the order of St. Joseph at 20 and took the name Sister Mary Terence, embracing her teaching career and sharing her love of math. After 22 years in the religious life, Rosemarie rejoined the secular world and moved to Toronto, where she continued her pure joy of teaching and enlightening secondary students. Rosemarie opened her heart to those in need, and was a lavish host at home and at her Haliburton cottage. Her enthusiasm for life led to adventures: skiing, sailing, birdwatching, and travels to Australia, the Nile, Kenya, Galapagos, Peru, and the United Kingdom, setting an unforgettable example for her devoted nieces and nephews. Retiring in Chesley, "Auntie Bud" was involved in the community and taught her love of adventure, travel, math and social graces to the next generation of Halpins as she treated them to day trips, ball games, lunch parties, and afternoons of swimming. Rosemarie will be remembered for her lofty standards and zest to win at Scrabble, Boggle and Bridge. But she will be equally remembered as a generous soul who thrilled in the beauty of a bird or the sun on the water. Predeceased by her parents, brother Terry who inspired her name in religious life, niece Susan who was her Peru travel partner, grand-nephew Kevin who had her dimple and great-grand-niece Abigail. Survived by sister Eileen Halpin, brother Jim (Lee Ann Newman) Halpin and sister-in-law Rita (Potts) Halpin, also by 14 nieces and nephews, 43 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and 14 great-grand-nieces and -nephews. Rosemarie's family extends endless gratitude to the dedicated staff members at Sunrise Senior Living. The respect, compassion and companionship given to Rosemary (& Oscar) will be forever in our memory and hearts. Additional thankfulness is extended to CCAC/St. Elizabeth's uniquely devoted staff. Visiting at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, St. Gregory's site from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016, Funeral Mass to follow. Arrangements entrusted to WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (519)253-7234 Online condolences and cherished memories may by shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com