CAPELL, Elin “Rosemary”

November 27, 1943 — May 22, 2021

It is with deep sadness that the family of Rosemary Capell announce her passing on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the age of 77.

Rosemary lived a full and geographically diverse life. She and her twin sister, Patricia, were born in British Guyana (now simply called Guyana) in South America. As a young child, Rosemary moved with her family to Africa, where she grew up mostly in Zambia. Rosemary moved to Zimbabwe for university, where she met her husband, Rob. They had one child, Jennifer. In 1981, the family immigrated to Kelowna, where she lived the rest of her life.

As a young parent in Canada, Rosemary worked two jobs and volunteered extensively in the community. She was trained and worked both as a geologist and as a chemistry lab instructor at Okanagan College, and later, UBCO. She was known for her excellent organization skills, high quality work, and for always being willing to assist others. A career highlight was helping a Kelowna company find the first recorded diamond in Canada.

Rosemary always enjoyed an active lifestyle, especially running and biking around Kelowna. She also enjoyed bridge, knitting (especially gorgeous sweaters for her grandchildren!), games and puzzles, genealogy, volunteering, and travel (visiting more than fifty countries). Rosemary had a keen sense of humor, and always found great happiness and a sense of purpose in helping others. She volunteered for more than 20 years at KGH and was an active member of St Michael Anglican Church in Kelowna for almost 40 years.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Brookhaven Extended Care and Rosemary’s close friends for the loving care they extended to Rosemary in these final years.
Rosemary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Capell; her daughter, Jennifer (Murray) McCutcheon; her grandchildren, Simon and Emma McCutcheon; her sister Patricia (Rod) Hargreaves; her nephew, Dave Hargreaves, and his children, Matthew and Allison; and her nephew, Brian (Vasey) Hargreaves, and their children Natalie and Gray; as well as many much-loved extended family members around the world.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joan and Alan Earle, and her niece-in-law, Lora Hargreaves.

A celebration of life will be held to honour Rosemary at a later date. Please contact the family if you would like more information.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

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