July 4, 1947 – August 20, 2026
Rosemary Reed was born in Toronto, Ontario, on July 4, 1947, to parents John Reed and Margaret Keiller. She passed away in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
For over 40 years, Rosemary was a loving partner to David Poitevin and an inspiring mother to her daughter, Ashley. She was a dear sister to Joan (Gary) and Wendy (Wilson), a caring stepmom to Amy (Chris) and Ben (Sheena), and an aunt to Jennifer, Jeffrey, Adam (Andrea), and Erin.
Growing up on Toronto Island shaped her fondness for sharing stories about her unique upbringing in this tight-knit community facing “the big city.”
After moving to Sault Ste. Marie, Rosemary began her career at Sault College as a Program Development Manager in Continuing Education. There she managed Fine Arts programs along with Women’s and Community programming. As time went on, she expanded her role by overseeing the implementation of provincial employment and literacy programs across the Algoma region. She played a key part in creating innovative employment initiatives for Ontario in both Sault Ste. Marie and East Algoma.
Rosemary was also one of the founding members of Sault Ste. Marie’s Youth Trust and served many years as a board member for Program Read and the Algoma Fall Festival.
Throughout her career and community involvement, Rosemary earned immense respect from colleagues and peers alike. She had a reputation as a fair leader who supported others while serving as a mentor-a true role model for many.
After retiring in 2001, she enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage and cross-country skiing at Hiawatha during winter months. Every season brought joy as she cherished routines with loved ones and their huskies.
Her eye for detail made everyone feel appreciated around her. With David by her side-her perfect match-they delighted in traveling frequently between Toronto and Montreal while visiting their favorite local shops together. Raising Ashley came with road trips filled with concerts or events that celebrated their shared love for the arts; no one took more pride than Rosemary did.
Dinner parties were among Rosemary’s favorites; she’d often say it didn’t make sense to dine out when such gifted friends surrounded her. It would be hard to find anyone in Sault Ste Marie who hadn’t received her famous holiday “bark.”
She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched but especially by David and Ashley-who were shaped by her kindness every day.
Her dynamite smile will always be remembered. It’s worth mentioning that Rosemary loved sending and receiving greeting cards; you can do this c/o Arthur Funeral Home if you’d like to connect directly with the family. She requested private arrangements instead of a public service. Donations in memory of Rosemary can be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation-a place that cared deeply for her while serving the community that mattered so much to both her and her family. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Sault Paramedics along with ER/ICU doctors and nurses at Sault Area Hospital for all your care during our difficult times we faced so quickly. The arrangement has been entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522). You may share fond memories or expressions of sympathy at www. arthurfuneralhome. com for the family.
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Her dynamite smile will always be remembered. It’s worth mentioning that Rosemary loved sending and receiving greeting cards; you can do this c/o Arthur Funeral Home if you’d like to connect directly with the family. She requested private arrangements instead of a public service. Donations in memory of Rosemary can be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation-a place that cared deeply for her while serving the community that mattered so much to both her and her family. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Sault Paramedics along with ER/ICU doctors and nurses at Sault Area Hospital for all your care during our difficult times we faced so quickly. The arrangement has been entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522). You may share fond memories or expressions of sympathy at www. arthurfuneralhome. com for the family.
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