Book of Memories of
Rosie Gilbert
Rosie Gilbert was a phenomenal mother, granny, teacher, friend, runner, swimmer and general lovely person. She leaves a huge void in many people’s lives. Her sons Joseph, Dominic and Michael would love to know the memories of Rosie you have to share. Please feel free to comment as brief or as long as you wish, her immense love extended far and wide, which we are discovering more so since her passing. She was one who would remember every birthday, celebratory event and listened intently to every story you had, she cared and loved. As much as she battled MND in the last years of her life, she rebelled against her diagnosis in true determined style and remained as independent as possible until the very last moments. It is a comfort to all her family she fell into lasting sleep in her own home, in her own bed with the pictures of her three sons Joe, Dom and Mike, daughter-in-law’s Greta and Jess and adored grandson Leo close by. But prior to this, she led a social, active life and we would love to hear who Rosie was to you and any stories you have to tell of her.
Also, Rosie requested donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association instead of flowers for her funeral, if you would like to contribute anything- please go the the below link.
Best wishes,
The Gilbert’s
Book Owner: Jess Gilbert
Book Size:Â 500 Messages
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Alina Kallarackal
I knew Mrs Gilbert from Notre Dame as my English teacher for GCSE English in years 10 & 11 back in 2014 and 2015. I sadly found out about her passing from her colleagues a couple of years ago at the NDHS Christmas Market. She changed my life. I never knew I was good at English until then, or that I could write. But more than that, she was the first and only teacher who realised I had ADHD, and even without telling me she would employ methods to help me reach my potential that I know look back on and realize. In terms of teaching, she was brilliant, and in terms of loving, she was beyond that. She paid attention to each and every student, and made them feel important. I remember her bringing homemade flapjacks for us and the was she would pronounce certain words. People like her are so so rare in the world and she truly made a difference. A huge huge difference. I went on to write my own poetry, completed and undergraduate degree in Law, and a postgraduate degree in Psychology. When things got tough, I would think of her and her encouragement. …
Stanley and Marie Copland
Rosie was a wonderful person. She always did whatever she thought would be for the benefit of her sons. She worked very hard giving private tuition as well as going to work at teh Notre Dame. She was a very good neighbour and would often take my Wife Marie and myself shopping of to the hospital or to other places. My wife and I loved her and we were very sorry when Rosie moved from Old Farm Lane. We just cannot tell everybody how great she was and how sorry we are that she has died. Living next door to Rosie we really did know how wonderful Rosie was. Stanley & Marie Copland…
Stanley
Rosemarie was a wonderful person. She struggled hard and did whatever she thought was best for her Sons….
Charlotte Simpson
After hearing of Rosie’s passing, the English team started recalling memories and photos we had of Rosie and it was and is so clear how loved she was by all. There were her trips to the English office where she would come out with the most amazing quip and leave us all in a brilliant stunned silence. There were the very infrequent but impassioned sudden swear words that would throw us off guard and leave us in fits of giggles. And there was of course the previously mentioned trip to Switzerland and the infamous swim in the freezing cold lake! But most recently I found a WhatsApp group from this trip and I read through the messages from Rosie, which was both lovely and heartbreaking at the same time, and the one thing that stuck with me was that she was concerned, due to her being at the beginning of her illness, that she would slow us up. I believe this perfectly sums up the thoughtfulness, compassion and kindness she always had for others and I will always remember her for this. …
Harriet Griffiths
I met Rosie as a colleague at Notre Dame: her calm approach to English teaching and her incredible earring collection were admired in near equal measure, and I always felt comforted if I managed to exchange even a few words with Rosie in the middle of a busy teaching day. A few years ago a member of my form, who was in Year 11 at the time, told me that he “didn’t really get English” until he was taught by Ms Gilbert: not only was he now enjoying it, he told me in awed tones that “Miss Gilbert just really gets me”. Six years ago, I was amongst a few members of NDHS staff who entered the Norwich Half Marathon, as was Rosie. I hoped naively that I would be able to at least keep Rosie in sight for some of the race. As it was, Rosie took off at such a rate that I didn’t even catch a glimpse of her, and I would not have been surprised to learn that she had lapped me at least once. Rosie was far too kind to tell me her time… It was in her retirement that I got to know…
George and Sue Mills
Rosie was simply a good, good person. She had a deep commitment to her vocation, and to the very many students, both at school and elsewhere, who had the good fortune to be taught by her. She combined consummate professionalism with great kindness. When she ushered students into her classroom she had a warm smile and a word of welcome for each of them. In her lessons the atmosphere was calm, purposeful and thoroughly well organised. Our son Will, who was taught by her and remembers her with great affection, said that she always knew what you were capable of, and made sure that you achieved it. Students in her classes spoke with confidence and felt competely secure. We, her colleague friends, were in awe. Rosie had a delightful sense of humour which could light up her face with smiles and laughter. She had a quick mind and sharp intelligence that was humanely perceptive about people and astute about the world. We remember her as a quietly remarkable woman, composed, devoted and brave. Her loss saddens us deeply….
Sarann Dye
Our profession is one where it’s easy to get lost in your own stresses and challenges. There was one such time when I was a bit broken, and I will never forget Rosie seemingly to read my troubles intuitively. Not a single question. No prying. Nor ill-timed advice. She simply embraced me. In that moment, Rosie caught me off guard; she surprised me with a warmth and sincere compassion that I will never forget. And it is this propensity for refreshing surprises that I think of when I picture Rosie. I pegged Rosie down as prim and proper. Then I discovered her sense of humour: witty, sardonic with the occasional splattering of crudeness. I’d judged her as a cautious woman who preferred the safe and familiar. Then, on a visit to Switzerland, she led an impulsive swim in the glacial waters of Lugano. Somewhat ashamedly, I perceived her as a little cold and aloof. Then, time and again, she proved herself to be the warmest of listeners, with a balming reassurance that could provide comfort in the darkest of times. There’s the brash, loud, attention-seeking, and the confident – and they stand out. And you feel you know them…
Marie
I met Rosie when I did some gardening for her. she was an amazing lady who clearly loved her family. we would have many chats about swimming and education. what struck me is that she took everything in her stride. The last message I got from her was to tell me she needed to send voice messages as it was difficult for her to type but she said it like it was a normal thing that she just had to do. an incredible woman that I wish I had know longer. …
Jill Lawson
I was fortunate enough to get to know Rosie well over the last 6 months when she came twice a week for physio. It turned out we had so much in common; both Scousers, both proud mothers to sons and both with a mutual love of the outdoors. Needless to say, we hit it off straight away and became staunch friends. Right up to her final days, Rosie showed true determination and resilience to keep as active as she could; an incredibly inspirational lady who never gave up! Rosie was such a kind, sincere, knowledgeable, wise and selfless lady always keen to help and advise with any problems or concerns and constantly thinking of others rather than herself. Despite her struggles, she never complained and always remained positive and upbeat. I feel very privileged and lucky enough to have become friends with Rosie and will miss her so much. Rest in peace dear Rosie xx…
Anna Hall
I’m so sorry to hear of Rosie’s death. In all the time I knew her, I don’t think I once heard her complain but she remained calm and positive even in the most difficult circumstances. She was an extremely kind and supportive friend and an inspirational colleague and teacher. I never quite knew how she managed to keep students completely engaged even after the lunch bell had gone- even those difficult year 11 revision lessons in the run up to exams: her students would still be there listening to her every word. I remember on one occasion I read a letter that a student had sent her. This student was not happy in her new school but wrote to Rosie to tell her that, when she was finding life particularly tough in her new school, she would hear Rosie’s voice encouraging her and inspiring her to do better.I think there will be many, many students for whom Rosie’s quiet, supportive voice will be a source of encouragement throughout their lives. A wonderful legacy. A wonderful human being….
Stephen Bishop
I knew Rosie as a teacher – the finest. Teachers can disagree about what makes good teaching. English teachers can disagree even more so, and 90’s English teachers even more than that. However, knowing Rosie’s achievements across the decades, I can say that no other teacher has inspired such agreement and consistent awe from all her peers at her brilliance. Over the years, dozens of varied fellow English staff, and all of the (at times cartoonishly different-charactered) Heads of Department, and all of the Headteachers, stretching from the data era to a pre-technology, pre-Ofsted Sister Mary… all, without exception, knew in their hearts that Rosie had an innate quality that pre-existed and operated beyond these changes: if for some reason English teaching became a gladatorial competition, you’d put your money on Rosie every time, in any era. Rosie always taught her subject to her classes with expertise, with kindness, and excellently, and the students knew it. Students will never see her equal. May she rest in peace. My thoughts go to family and friends….
Hilary Bedder
I’m still finding Rosie’s death difficult to process. Apart from enjoying her comradeship as a teacher, my discovery of her friendship over the last couple of years is something I will treasure. Even in her own illness, she demonstrated so little self-pity. She always looked outwards, was intensely interested in the wider world and other people’s lives. She was a wonderful person with whom to spend time and I will miss her intensely. …
Kelly Aldred
When I joined Notre Dame in 2003 I was in awe of Rosie and her phenomenal knowledge. She was always very much a consumate professional, never raising her voice and commanding a class of children like a orchestra conductor. My fondest memory of Rosie is her bright lipstick, and on days that she didn’t wear it, I’d always ask if she was OK. Her earring choice was another bold statement and she always wore a splach of pink or purple in her outfit which was a nod to her wicked sense of humour. It was a pleasure to work with Rosie in the English Team, and more recently to see her regularly for a meal out or cuppa outside her house. She was whip smart, fun and an amazing lady whose presence will leave a huge whole in the hearts who knew and worked with her. God bless you Rosie. xx…
Phyllis O'Grady
I taught with Rosie during the 90s at Notre Dame where she was known for her absolute expertise particularly with teaching English language skills to younger students. Since my specialism was more with the older groups I was always eager for tips and ideas and she was always more than happy to advise and support. I have particularly lovely memories of going on a teachers’ retreat to Kintbury with Rosie and two other friends – a precious escape from the crazy demands of teaching and an opportunity to relax and share ideas and thoughts – we had a hilarious trip down there by car and even called in to visit my mum on the way! Having only relatively recently caught up again with Rosie, I was looking forward to rekindling those ties and sharing our interests in cinema and literature during our retirement. She was great to talk to about such things with clear and intelligent views but an eager curiosity to find out what you thought. I’m so furious that the pleasures of her retirement years were snatched away from her by such a cruel disease and at the same time astounded and inspired by her own attitude towards…
Betsy Fowler
It was real privilege to get to know Rosie properly over the last two years. I had worked at NDHS with Rosie in the 90s and she taught my daughter Claire. However it was when Rosie joined our English team meet ups that I really got to know her better. Rosie was truly inspirational in her battle with MND. She was courageous, kind, caring and always encouraged us to share our stories and lives at these gatherings despite her own struggle with her illness. My lasting memory will be our last trip to the Georgian Townhouse for a pre- Christmas gathering- outside, wrapped in blankets and hot water bottles chatting and laughing together. Rosie will be greatly missed. Sending the whole family our love and prayers- Betsy, Paul and Claire Fowler….
