Event Date : Saturday, April 27, 1957
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Toronto, Ont.
Community : Other - Bradford
Street :
Lot :
Concession : 0
Description : Death always brings sadness and loneliness to the bereaved, and arouses sympathy among friends. When the life of the young is claimed these feelings are particularly poignant.On Saturday, Rosemary Brockwell, aged 12, passed away at the Sick Children's Hospital, Toronto. Although Rosemary had been a sick child for about five years, neither she nor her parents ever gave up hope, and the endeavour of medical science was never relinquished. The Sick Children's Hospital had become a second home to Rosemary. During the early years of her illness she made frequent visits from her home to the hospital, and during the past year the hospital claimed more of her time, with short visits being permitted at home, especially at holiday seasons. One reason for the more continuous hospitalization in recent months was that, after discussing the prospect with Rosemary, who always took an intelligent interest in her own case, it was decided that a very critical operation should be undertaken. It required several months to prepare her physically for the ordeal, and a few weeks ago it seemed that a near miracle had been performed when she rallied wonderfully following hours of surgery. However, it was not to be. A relapse occurred after she appeared to be progressing well, and her strength slowly ebbed away.Rosemary was born in Bradford, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Brockwell (Clara Lowe). She was a very lovely, happy and gentle child and started to school here, apparently in good health. She was a very ambitious little student and although not able to attend school had progressed with her schooling through the kindly tuition of teachers and her own industry. Despite her inability to attend school, at twelve years of age she had Grade VIII standing in Bradford Public School.Throughout her years of illness her cheerfulness was an inspiration. During her visits home from the hospital her mother wheeled her around town in a wheel chair and her delighted smile and wave of recognition to those along the street endeared her to everyone.To her sorrowing parents and little sister, Caroline, very sincere sympathy is felt by all who knew this lovely and courageous little girl.The funeral is being held this afternoon from the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home. The services are in charge of her rector, Rev. W. S. Johnson, formerly of Trinity Anglican Church, Bradford, and now of Toronto. Interment is in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.The pallbearers were boys from Grade VIII of Bradford Public School, namely, Michael Kilkenny, Billy Culbert, Ricky Walker, Allan Rennett, Brian Everitt and Johnny Kacmar. The flower bearers are chosen from the same school class.