Mrs. Rosemary Phiri, a beautiful soul gone too soon from this earth on the 15th of February 2018 when you mounted the eagle’s wings above the clouds into heavens where God your creator dwells.
Mrs Phiri, our English writer, you were a special person, soft spoken with always a smile on your face, wow your patience with everyone around you was amazing and your generosity touched us all, you shared even the little you had with us all in the Parent partnership association for children with special needs and Hidden Voice School, a school you steered through difficult times and emerged victorious. You indeed fulfilled the scripture in Mathew 5:16,

'' In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven''

My big sister, you are dearly missed and may your soul continue to rest in the bosom of our lord Jesus Christ.

Alice Namposhya Kaunda.

Tribute to My Wife – Rosemary Catherine Phiri

I love my wife unconditionally.

She was the perfect gift that the Lord Almighty, our God gave me. We lived together happily for nearly 49 years.

I met my late wife Rosemary Catherine Exteen in London in 1966.

She was a friend of a girl I was dating then. We next met in Ndola. She had been posted there as Secretary to my boss, the Provincial Minister of State. And I was head of civil servants in the province.

I was later posted to Tanzania as High Commissioner. While in Tanzania, I wrote to Rosemary asking her to be my partner for life. 

She did not reply.

In 1968 I was recalled to Lusaka and appointed Under Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Coincidentally Rosemary was also reposted to Lusaka to work at Cabinet Office and later at State House as one of KK’s personal secretaries.

This time, luck was on my side. When I posed to her the same question as I did to her in Tanzania the response was positive. I was thrilled.

This was in March 1968.

The courtship period was not without anxieties. Rosemary was a coloured from Ndola and me a rural boy from Lundazi.

In colonial days there was strict colour bar. Different races were separated and contact between races was not encouraged, let alone interracial marriages.

Had this situation changed significantly in 1969, 5 years after independence?

We asked ourselves these questions and needed to provide answers.

After these general questions we looked at specific and pertinent questions relating to us as individuals.

Rosemary was anxious to know what the attitude of my family would be to our intended marriage. Would they accept and welcome her into the family?

I answered yes.

My questions to her was, would she welcome to our home members of my family most of whom were uneducated and living in shanty towns?

She answered yes. 

I had another question for her. Since I had been employed in Government, I was sending money monthly to my mother. If we got married, would she allow to me to continue to do so?

She answered yes. 

We turned now to our long period of bachelorhood and spinsterhood. Was there need for any disclosure, which might affect our marriage in future if not handled at this stage that would cause problems in our marriage in future. We did as best as we could to be absolutely honest with each other. After all, we were adults.

Having cleared these anxieties we felt ready to set a date for our wedding.

We got married on 12th July 1969. Rose was 24 and I 34. By Zambian standards this was late in the day. The newspapers dubbed me “Mr. At Last.”

So why did I take so long to get married?

There were many reasons, some of which I can’t go into now … but the main one was searching for the right partner who would match my character.

I was looking for a girl who had a sober character; who was down to earth.

I found these characteristics in Rosemary.

I was looking for a girl who was not a gossiper.

I found this characteristic in Rosemary.

I was looking for a girl who would be a true friend and confidant.

I found these characteristics in Rosemary.

I was looking for a girl, who would love me unconditionally, with her whole heart.

I found this characteristic in Rosemary.

I was looking for a girl who would be like my mother.

I found this characteristic in Rosemary.

I was looking for a girl who would welcome my friends unconditionally and treat them with respect.

I found these characteristics in Rosemary.

I was looking for a girl who was not extravagant; whose preoccupations were not of this world.

I found these characteristics in Rosemary.

And so the choice was obvious.

At no time in our 49 years of marriage did Rosemary ever give me any reason to regret this choice. Never did she raise her voice against me; not even a finger was pointed at me in anger. And vice versa.

Ours, I believe was a perfect marriage, taking into account that we are human beings, which means we are not always perfect.

But if I were to come again into this life, I believe I would still choose her as my partner.

I have lost the one I truly love; one in whose company I experienced perfect harmony and peace.

My world was complete with her by my side. With her gone, I feel very much lost. I have no idea of where I stand and where I am going and what I should do.

Her death after a short illness was a shock to me. I will never understand why the doctors could not have done more to save her. I pray to our God Almighty to help me chart a new path and to find solace.

She was the true head of the house; I was the nominal one. Now that she’s gone, the house is headless. I hope the Lord will help me find my true role.

Towards the end of your life, as you were struggling with the effects of the stroke, I said to you don’t die before me, because you will be more useful to the family than me. The opposite has happened and I have been left with a great burden.

Goodbye Rosy, thank you for the life I shared with you.

You always said to me, you are not afraid of death because you knew where you were going.

Be in peace where you have gone.

Thank you.

My dearest Aunt I recall in 1996 when I was ill in UTH you would drive all the way from your farm to come and visit me you hardly missed a day. I continue to marvel at such a wonderful soul a heart if gold indeed. Continue resting in eternal peace.

You were such a committed servant of God. Ever smiling whenever we meet. I remember how are used to joke about our relationship as fellow believers, my grand mother who was also my sister in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have no doubt in my mind that you are there with Him enjoying the presence of His everlasting love for the Saints. Rest easy grandma

A heart full of gold my granny it's difficult to describe who you were in a million people, I remember that day you called me and told me you were on your way to my home with public transport I waited for you till you reached my home had a long chat miles and mountains we climbed and walked in that beautiful afternoon I miss you knowing who you were may the light continue shining as you rest in enternall peace

Your natural and gracious smile still lingers in my memory.you were one of a kind who treated everyone the same .
Am sure you are well in heaven .we miss you dear aunt

Whether in London or Zambia, Auntie Rosie always welcomed us into her home with open arms. A loving, caring person who put others first. You have touched the lives of so many. Goodbye Auntie Rosie and thank you for the good times. Remembering you with much love.

Auntie rose as I use to call you my sister I cannot begin to describe the pain you have left you could have stayed a little while longer after your tata kanshi (auntie)died I still had you and I was comforted but alas you left in a twinkling of an eye upto now I still don't know what hit me but am comforted because I know you are with your maker even in death l love you tears may dry but memories still leave on fondly missed by your girls isabel,lucy esther and sera Mysctriep til we meet

Rose was a lovely kind, and very caring person who always put others before herself. RIP dear Rose

Neil Bounds

In remembering our loved one on this day, we all feel a terrible loss
Rosy was a very compassionate person. She cared a lot for her friends and family and would do anything to help them. She had the same care for animals. (Cats and dogs).She was one of the most loving and caring people that I have ever met. She enjoyed drinking endless cups of tea and loved to entertain with tea.
I will always remember Rosy for her positive attitude, compassion, generosity and love for life. My sister was an example to everyone she met of how to live life. I am honored that Rosy was my sister and will always look back on our time together with fond memories. My dearest Rosy, I will always remember you and the time we spent together. Your memory will live on in my heart forever.

from Bridgette Exteen

Rosemary personally Believed & Accepted God's Invitation to Receive Jesus as her Lord & Saviour. His Promise to all who Believe is Everlasting Life with Him in Heaven & with all those who do believe.
Have you responded & accepted her Lord?
Then you will be Reunited with her if you do! May God bless & comfort each one.
With much love x