It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rosemary Dianne Wheeler on October 8th, 2025, at Alexandra Marine & General Hospital, Goderich. Rosemary was in her 78th year, born on March 6, 1947, in Brussels, Ontario. She is the beloved wife of David Wheeler, celebrating 56 years of marriage this year, predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Carl Gowing. She will be greatly missed by her siblings Thelma (Peter) Roberts, Nancy (Bruce) Corrigan, Ken (Nancy) Gowing, Dave (Lynda) Gowing, Neil Gowing and Wendy Peters, and Paul Gowing.
Rosemary was the proud mother of two sons, Steven (KJ) Wheeler and Gregory (Joanne) Wheeler, and the cherished grandmother of Shane, Nolan, Ryan, Kailey (Kendall), Amber, and Ray Wheeler. Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in every one of them.
A nurse for more than 50 years, Rosemary dedicated her life to caring for others with compassion and kindness. Her gentle heart and selfless spirit touched the lives of so many in her community. At home, she was known for her warmth, her cooking, and her devotion to her family and the farm. She loved preparing meals for the farm help and making sure everyone was well-fed and cared for – a true expression of love.
Rosemary will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and unwavering care for everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the love for her family, the people she helped, and the countless lives she brightened along the way.
“Gramma, thank you for all your love and support over the years, we wouldn’t be who we are without you.” – Kailey
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Goderich Columbus Centre, 390 Parsons Court, Goderich, on Sunday October 19th, 2025, from 1-4 pm. Donations in Rosemary’s memory can be directed to the Canadian cancer society or a charity of choice.
Shared by Jim Adams
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Edith Lamb
She was my cousin and l always enjoyed going to the Gowing home as a child to visit and holiday. We played with dish set and dolls and spent lots of time outside playing. lol Edie xx
Edith Lamb
Rosemary was the sweetest and most caring person.
Joan Bernard
To David and family – my deepest sympathy to all. Rosemary was a beautiful soul in every way! Very shocked to hear of her passing! Remember all the good times Dave, especially here in Brussels and area! Joan
Jim & Anne Duffy
Dave and Family ,Our deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Jim & Anne Duffy
Wayne & Linda Hopper
Our deepest condolences to Rosemary’s family.
She was always such a kind lady.
Edith Lamb
Remember having holidays at Gowing farm with her and family when l was young. Rosemary was a very pretty girl and lovely person. She was very gentle also.
John & Jane Hoggart
Dear Wheeler families: So sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. John & Jane Hoggart
Mary Douma
I send my deepest sympathies to all of you. Rosemary was a wonderful, caring nurse in Dr. Hanlon’s office in Brussels.
I would have loved to see all of you Gowing “kids” at the Celebration of Life but we are having our family Thanksgiving on Sunday at 1 o’clock. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!!
Gladys Munro
Sincerest sympathy in the passing of Rosemary to Dave and family and all of Rosemary’s siblings and families. Rosemary will indeed be missed. – Murray and Gladys Munro
Ruth Siblock
Sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Dave & family, and all the Gowing & Wheeler families, at this difficult time.
Ruth (Jermyn) & Ren Siblock
Janis Bray
So sorry to hear. May your memories be a blessing .
Gary & Lori Pipe
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you. We have many good memories from years gone by. Rosemary lives on in each one of you. Cherish the memories and the love she shared.
Hugs to all of you.
Gary & Lori
Ian and Christine Inglis
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wheeler and Gowing Family. Rosemary was the most compassionate and caring soul and will be sorrily missed. So many memories. Thinking of you all. Christine and Ian Inglis
Phyllis Huffman
Rosemary was such a beautiful person,had that calming way about her.
She was so kind as a office nurse and l worked with her at WDH.
She loved her family.I enjoyed working with her.
Rosemary will surely been missed.
Ron and Phyllis
Tracy McLennan
Dave, Steve, Greg, and families,
Hearing of Rosemary’s passing brought so many wonderful childhood memories to mind. Rosemary was like a “second mother” who loved us. It was to your home that I wanted to go to when my sister was born, and my childhood memories of time spent at your home on the farm still make me smile. I always felt like family when we were around you all and, though many years have passed since we were all together, I still think of you as family. Rosemary was so very kind and her warmth will always be remembered. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rosemary was a wonderful human and was so very loved. Thinking of you all. May all the wonderful memories you have give you comfort at this difficult time.
Tracy (Bosman), Paul, Sabryn, & Jocelyn McLennan
Linda McKee
I worked with Rosemary at WDH. Always so kind and understanding. This wonderful lady will be dearly missed. Sincerely Linda McKee
Vern & Mary Heise
Dave & Family, our deepest sympathy to you. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Joyce King
Dear Dave, Steven/KJ, Greg/Joanne, Grandchildren, Wheeler and Gowing Families (both immediate and extended), my most heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of Rosemary. I was Steven and Greg’s babysitter for a number of years as well as a neighbour while growing up, while the Wheeler family lived on the family farm just outside of Brussels. Rosemary always made sure the boys were in bed by the time I arrived so they were pretty easy evenings unless someone woke up (hardly ever!!) Lots of snacks, good TV, and generous pay were bonuses as well. Rosemary was such an asset to the Brussels and area community plus her career choice of nursing impacted even more people. I have often thought of the Wheeler family over the years and hoped Rosemary and Dave would find living in Goderich as wonderful as it was in their two homes in the Brussels area. I leave you with a quote from Maya Angelou (author): “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. This describes Rosemary and how lucky we all were to have her in our lives. Sincerely, Joyce King (Ireland)
Jim and Kathy Stephenson
Dave and family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you at this difficult time.
Deb Cabral (Grube)
Deepest condolences Dave, Steven and Greg. It has been many years since I’ve seen cousin Rosemary, but I always remember her as the sweetest lady. So sorry for your loss.
Jim Adams
Next door neighbours. Wonderful friends and public school classmates. Many fond memories. Rosemary was kind, clever and always update.
Jason Hulzebos
Dear the wheeler Family,
Hi its Jason Hulzebos from Blyth,Ontario I’m sorry for your guys loss.
Jeannette King
Dear Dave and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of this amazing woman. It was such a pleasure to work with her and share our friendship, she was a fabulous nurse and friend. Cherish your memories. Fly high with the angels Rosemary, you will be so missed. Sincerely, Jeannette
Kathleen Leddy Baird
Wheeler and extended families
My condolences.Worked with Rosemary years sgo at WDH Always a pleasure to work with a kind snd compassionste nurse.
Sincerely
Kathleen
Lucy Hesse
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Rosemary. We have had many conversations when she was the Nurse in Brussels and also at the Nursing Home in Wingham. Remember the happy times and speak her name often. Blessings to her family. Lucy Hesse
Deborah Mitchell
So sorry for your loss and it was a privilege to know her. To all the grandchildren, “your Grandmother hold such precious memories for all of you and those memories will only become sweeter over time. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
John Lowe
To Dave and Steve and Greg and all the Gowings and Wheelers: We can only share in your sadness on the loss of Rosemary. Such a kind soul. Lots of found memories of her working for Hanlon and MacGregor’s office in Brussels. As a youth, I must have mentioned that I thought office nursing ‘looked easy’ and that came back to bite me one day. Rosemary spotted me working in a very hectic ER and stopped to ask, “do you still think this is pretty easy?” She said it with a smile, patted me on the back and then did her little laugh. Telling this makes me smile. She won’t be forgotten.
Gordon & Irma Pryce
Dave and family; Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Rosemary was a lovely person. We went to Sunday School and sang in the choir together for years at St.John’s Anglican Church in Brussels. Our sincerest sympathy to you all.
Gordon & Irma Pryce